If the government shuts down, many non-essential federal government operations will cease until funding is restored, causing disruptions across multiple areas.
Immediate Effects
- Approximately 40% of the federal workforce (around 800,000 employees) will be furloughed and not receive pay during the shutdown, although back pay is usually granted once it ends.
- Essential workers such as active-duty military, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and law enforcement continue working but do not get paid during the shutdown.
- There will be delays and disruptions in air travel due to reduced staff and some workers calling in sick.
- Services like passport processing, national parks, museums, food safety inspections, and immigration court hearings will be limited or halted.
Impact on Services and Public
- Social Security and Medicare benefits continue since they are funded by different legislation, but some related office services may be affected.
- Research and projects at agencies such as the CDC and NIH will be disrupted due to furloughs.
- Veterans' services and regional VA offices may reduce operations despite most staff working.
- Federal prisons face risks with staff shortages, potentially increasing safety concerns.
Economic and Societal Consequences
- Past shutdowns have cost the economy billions, damaged government service backlogs, and caused financial strain on federal employees and contractors.
- Families of federal workers also face strain from lost income during the shutdown.
- The shutdown undermines morale and recruitment in federal jobs, potentially causing long-term staffing issues.
In sum, a government shutdown creates widespread operational halts, workforce furloughs, service delays, and economic costs until an agreement is reached to fund government functions again.
