(ORDO News) — As the deadline for a new fiscal year approaches on October 1, the United States faces the possibility of a government shutdown if Congress fails to provide funding. A shutdown would disrupt government services and lead to the furloughing of hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay.
Here is a breakdown of what would stay open and what would shut down in the event of a government shutdown:
MILITARY
- 2 million U.S. military personnel would remain on duty.
- Roughly half of the Pentagon’s 800,000 civilian employees would be furloughed.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
- FBI, DEA, and other federal law enforcement agencies would continue operating.
- Most Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents would work.
- Secret Service and Coast Guard operations would continue.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would furlough most consumer protection workers.
FEDERAL COURTS
- Federal courts have funding until at least October 13.
- The Supreme Court would remain open.
CONGRESS
- Lawmakers would continue to receive paychecks.
- Staffers do not get paid, but essential ones would still work.
TRANSPORTATION
- Airport security screeners and air-traffic control workers would work, but absenteeism could be a problem.
- Training for new air-traffic controllers would stop.
- Some major infrastructure projects could face delays.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
- U.S. embassies and consulates would remain open.
- Passport and visa processing would continue as long as fees cover operations.
- Some foreign aid programs could run out of money.
NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
- Status of national parks is uncertain.
- Wildfire fighting efforts would continue.
- Timber sales on national forest lands and recreation permits would be curtailed.
MUSEUMS
- Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., would close.
- National Zoo would close.
SCIENCE
- Scientific research would be disrupted.
- NASA would have significant furloughs.
HEALTH
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would monitor disease outbreaks but could face disruptions.
- National Institutes of Health would furlough most staff.
- Healthcare services for military veterans and Native Americans would continue.
FINANCIAL REGULATION
- SEC and CFTC would have significant furloughs, suspending most activities.
- The Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC would continue operating as normal.
ECONOMIC DATA
- Publication of major U.S. economic data would be suspended.
SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE, AND OTHER BENEFITS
- Social Security benefits and payments under Medicare and Medicaid would continue.
- Some nutrition benefits could be cut.
TAX COLLECTION
- IRS would operate as normal.
DISASTER RESPONSE
- FEMA could run out of funds for disaster relief.
EDUCATION
- Pell Grants and student loans would continue but could be disrupted.
- Aid to schools and educational institutions could be curtailed.
WATERWAYS
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would continue operating.
- Child Care – 10,000 children from low-income families would lose access to the Head Start preschool program.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
- The Small Business Administration would not issue new loans.
- Loans for businesses affected by natural disasters would continue.
AGRICULTURE
- Meat and egg inspections would continue.
- Crop insurance would not be affected.
- Research, conservation, and rural development programs would be shut down.
LABOR
- Workplace safety inspections and investigations into unfair pay practices would be limited.
- The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would have significant furloughs.
HOUSING
- Monthly subsidies for public housing and low-income housing aid would be at risk.
WHITE HOUSE
- White House furloughs could impact compliance with investigations, including impeachment proceedings.
MAIL DELIVERY
- The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) would not be affected.
It’s important to note that this is a general overview, and specific impacts may vary. A government shutdown can have far-reaching consequences on various government services and the economy.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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