For the first time in six years, the United States government is closed, after the Senate was unable to pass a funding bill. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. On Wednesday, when lawmakers disagree on a budget. The vote in the Senate concluded with a vote of 55-45, which eliminated any chance of keeping the government open.
President Donald Trump has also indicated that layoffs could be in store for federal workers if the impasse on funding goes unresolved. This is the 15th shutdown since 1981, and another temporary lapse would severely hinder government services and affect millions of people’s lives.
What is a government shutdown?
A shutdown of the US federal government means all non-essential services come to a halt. This impacts areas such as social security, air travel, and access to national parks.
Many federal agencies rely on Congress to approve funding before the president can sign the budget for the new fiscal year. If funding is not approved, these agencies are forced to close. As a result, employees are unable to work and do not receive their salaries during the shutdown.
Non-essential federal employees are told not to work (this is called a furlough).
Essential personnel, such as members of the military, police, and law enforcement, will continue to work but won’t be paid while the government is shut down.
The White House announced the funding lapse on Tuesday evening and instructed agencies to begin shutdown activities.
Who will be impacted?
The ramifications of the closing are numerous:
Federal employees: Roughly 750,000 personnel will be furloughed daily, resulting in approximately $400 million lost in wages each day.
Military and security workers: Soldiers, FBI agents, CIA employees, and airport security will still work but will not be paid immediately.
Travelers: Travel by plane may be slower as inspections and airport services are delayed.
Research and data: Science work will not be done, and important economic reports (including the jobs report for September) will be delayed.
Tourism: Many national parks and museums will be closed.
What will go on?
There will still be some services available, even if a shutdown occurs:
Social Security and Medicare: Payments will still go out to seniors, and doctors will still be able to bill for their services under Medicare.
Veterans’ services: VA hospitals, clinics, and cemeteries will remain open, and benefit payments will continue to be processed.
Essential security services: FBI investigators, CIA agents, air traffic controllers, and members of the armed services will be available to continue their role in protecting life and property.
Importance
The shutdown is not only a political crisis, but also an economic one. Every day of the closure, the government loses about $400 million. The longer it lasts, the more the effects will seep into people’s daily lives, businesses, and public confidence. Lawmakers are now under pressure to reach a deal fast and reopen the government.
The shutdown of the US government serves as a clear demonstration of the political divide in Washington while upending the daily lives of millions. Many Americans downstream, including federal workers, travelers, and businesses, are suffering due to the impasse, and the pressure grows each day for Congress to find a compromise. As the deadlock continues, the cost on the economy and Americans’ faith in government increases.
