As the U.S. government teeters on the brink of a potential shutdown on October 1, federal agencies and workers are preparing for the worst. With Congress having until the end of the day on Saturday, September 30, to pass a spending deal, little progress has been made. The House and Senate's delay in reaching an agreement, compounded by the Yom Kippur holiday, has made a shutdown seem almost inevitable.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has advised federal agencies to review and update their shutdown plans. Should a shutdown occur, the OMB will instruct agencies to implement these plans, which includes notifying employees about their furlough status or if they should continue reporting to work.
A shutdown could have significant repercussions for as many as 4 million workers, half of whom are military personnel. Essential workers would continue their duties without pay, while others would face furloughs. However, all government employees would receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. Federal contractors affected by the shutdown, on the other hand, would not receive compensation.
Travelers might experience significant delays and longer wait times at airports, reminiscent of previous shutdowns. The shortage of air traffic controllers could exacerbate under a shutdown, hindering the Federal Aviation Administration's efforts to train new controllers. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will remain operational, nearly 56,000 employees would be required to work without pay. Passport offices, especially those located within federal buildings, could shut down, potentially exacerbating existing backlogs.
National parks may also face closures, with visitor facilities such as restrooms, visitor centers, and information kiosks shuttered. Some parks might remain open if state funds are utilized. The travel sector could potentially lose approximately $140 million daily during a shutdown.
Public health and safety could also be jeopardized. Routine inspections ensuring safe drinking water would be halted, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would cease most inspections at hazardous waste, drinking water, and chemical facilities. The Food and Drug Administration might be forced to delay food safety inspections nationwide.
Workplace inspections would also be reduced due to limitations with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Department of Labor. Furthermore, a shutdown could postpone new clinical trials for cancer and other research.
Services for women and children could be impacted as well. Up to 10,000 children might lose access to Head Start, a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Additionally, a $150 million contingency fund for a program assisting 7 million women, infants, and children (WIC) could be depleted within days.
Despite the potential disruptions, a majority of the government will continue operations as usual during a shutdown. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security payments. The U.S. Postal Service, which has its own revenue stream, will also remain unaffected.
