(Nexstar) – As the prospect of a government shutdown looms, lawmakers from both parties express no willingness to negotiate fundraising laws before the looming October 1 deadline.
“If a shutdown happens, it will be necessary,” Trump stated on Friday.
On the other hand, Democrats remain firm, choosing not to engage on crucial health care topics they deem significant, such as the expansion of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act and cuts to Medicaid.
“We’re looking for a bipartisan solution and hope to strike a spending deal with Republican colleagues that properly addresses the needs of Americans. However, we also need to tackle the Republican healthcare crisis affecting everyday people across the country.”
If the government shuts down on Wednesday, it could lead to temporary closures of specific agencies and potentially put thousands of federal employees in a tough spot. However, some services will continue, as they are deemed essential.
Will Social Security payments be impacted?
The Social Security Administration typically continues its operations during government shutdowns since it’s funded through mandatory government spending, unlike programs reliant on discretionary funding renewal.
Still, the agency will have a reduced workforce. According to a Contingency Planning Document from the Social Security Bureau’s Financial Management Bureau, more than 6,100 out of nearly 52,000 employees could be cut.
Despite this, the SSA anticipates that benefits for Social Security beneficiaries will be processed as usual.
“Our services will continue uninterrupted, ensuring essential activities and timely benefit payments,” the document states.
Other services funded through mandatory spending—like Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ payments—are expected to keep running during a shutdown.
Nevertheless, these agencies might still face some disruptions affecting beneficiaries. Previously reported by Hill, staffing cuts could result in service delays. For instance, Medicare beneficiaries needing exchange cards may find themselves in limbo until the shutdown wraps up.
More broadly, should a shutdown occur this week, it might have lasting effects on the workforce and those they serve. Last week, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) noted in a memo that they might “consider a reduction (RIF) notification for all employee in a program, project or activity.”
Democrats have stated they will not support the spending bill proposed by Republicans.
“We won’t be intimidated by the extreme tactics of the Trump administration,” Jeffries remarked last week.
Jeffries is scheduled to attend a White House meeting with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Majority Leader John Tune (R-S.D.), and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
