Government Shutdown: Potential Impacts on Americans

The impending government shutdown casts a shadow over this Christmas season.

Without a last-minute agreement in Congress, a government shutdown will commence at midnight on Saturday. This leaves Americans concerned about its potential impact on their lives and holiday plans.

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding for federal agencies. During a shutdown, only essential services operate, including the military, public safety and law enforcement, TSA, air traffic control, and Social Security and Medicare payments.

Millions of federal employees will continue working without pay, while hundreds of thousands face furloughs. These financial hardships and uncertainties will affect workers during what should be a joyful holiday period.

Here’s how a shutdown could affect Americans.

Holiday travel disruptions?

Air travel will continue; TSA screeners and air traffic controllers will work without pay. However, during the 2018 shutdown, air traffic controller absences slowed travel in some airports. This time, longer airport wait times are possible due to an extended shutdown.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated that approximately 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000 employees will be on duty but unpaid. He anticipates screening 40 million holiday travelers and warns that a prolonged shutdown could cause increased wait times.

Passport services may be unavailable in some areas, potentially hindering international travel plans.

Unpaid troops

Active-duty military personnel will remain on duty but will not receive their paychecks. This also applies to reservists. Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed this, stating that the Department of Defense will continue its core mission, despite the lack of pay.

Without funding, troops will miss their holiday paychecks. This includes reservists and federal civilians required to work during the shutdown. Past shutdowns have resulted in retroactive pay after resolution.

National park closures

Most national parks will close, potentially disrupting holiday travel plans. The National Park Service’s contingency plans involve closing most parks and monuments. Previous shutdowns have shown limited park access and reduced services, leading to significant financial losses; in 2013, the estimated loss was $500 million.

Utah may use state funds to keep its national parks open. Governor Spencer Cox stated that the state has contingency plans to prevent closures.

Safety-net programs

SNAP (food stamps) and WIC will continue distributing aid, though federal office support will be reduced. Prolonged shutdowns could deplete available funds.

Disruptions to Head Start childcare programs are possible. Social Security and Medicare benefits will continue, but federal office services will be limited. Veterans Affairs benefits will also continue, but with reduced service.