If the government undergoes a shutdown, there are several factors to consider. From Social Security checks and national parks to jobs and critical services, the United States could experience several disruptions during this challenging time. Check out our condensed breakdown below to understand the potential impact:
The House recently approved a new extension of funding, which has been met with some controversy. The Senate will vote on this proposed extension, and if it fails, the consequences could be substantial. This potential federal government shutdown would be the nation’s 22nd in fifty years, making the disruptions more familiar to Americans than ever.
The current funding deal supported by Speaker Mike Johnson has been the focus of sharp disagreement among House Republicans. In 2018, the last government shutdown impacted about 800,000 workers, led to slower Internal Revenue Service processing, impacted military families’ access to support programs, and halted federal support for indigenous tribes. It’s important to understand how another shutdown could negatively affect federal agencies and you or your family.
Here’s a look at some specific areas that could be affected:
1. Child Care
The government shutdown could impact federally supported childcare services, potentially forcing some preschool and school readiness centers to close.
2. Education
A prolonged shutdown could severely curtail cash flow and threaten essential programs for disadvantaged students and young people with disabilities.
3. Food Programs
Rooted in uncertainty, a shutdown could hinder delivery of food stamp benefits and affect about 7 million moms and children relying on the WIC program.
4. Rural America
This shutdown could disrupt crucial services like marketing loans for farmers and USDA-backed housing loans for rural families.
5. Social Security and Medicare
While Social Security benefits and Medicare would continue, specific services, verification of benefits, or corrections and updates to earnings records may be temporarily suspended.
6. Postal Services
The Postal Service does not stop operations during a federal lapse in appropriations, ensuring that mail services keep running, though the Office of the Inspector General may face limitations once funds have been depleted.
While several areas of public and economic life could be impacted by a government shutdown, it’s important to stay informed and prepared.
