If there is a government shutdown, many federal agencies must stop most operations except for essential services. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees may be furloughed (temporarily laid off without pay), and some workers deemed essential continue to work but do not receive pay until funding is restored. Services like air traffic control, law enforcement, hospital emergency care, and border security continue, but activities such as processing passports and visas, national park operations, routine food safety inspections, and immigration court hearings can be delayed or suspended. Economic impacts include delayed payments to government workers, reduced confidence in the job market, slower GDP growth, loss of tax revenue, and disruptions to public programs and services. For example, the 2018-2019 shutdown caused significant furloughs, delayed payments, reduced GDP growth by billions, and disrupted safety and regulatory functions. Mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare continue since they are funded through permanent appropriations, but many discretionary services and new loan processing halt. In summary:
- Many federal employees furloughed without pay during the shutdown.
- Essential services for safety and security continue but possibly with delays.
- Non-essential government activities and services stop.
- Economic and social disruptions occur, including delayed payments and reduced government services.
- Shutdowns cost billions and can affect public confidence and economic growth.
This information reflects recent data including the 2018-2019 shutdown and ongoing government shutdown protocols.
