how does the government shutdown affect me

A government shutdown affects individuals primarily by disrupting government services and causing unpaid leave for many federal workers. Key impacts include longer airport security lines and flight delays due to some air traffic personnel not working or calling in sick; delays in passport processing for international travelers; halted or slowed public programs and federal benefits processing; and potential disruptions in services like nutrition assistance programs. Federal employees and military personnel designated as non-essential will be furloughed without pay, leading to missed paychecks and economic strain for those individuals. Essential services such as law enforcement and emergency medical services continue but may be stretched thin. National parks may operate with limited staff, affecting visitor experiences, and some routine government functions like weather service maintenance could be delayed.