Following the American government closure that began Wednesday at midnight, hundreds of thousands of government employees have been furloughed, while some must remain on duty without pay until Congress passes a budget. This situation will impact numerous government services and programs, as well as the overall US economy.
Salaries and Government Employees
Which employees continues working?
“Excepted” federal employees, those whose jobs are deemed vital to safeguarding public safety, such as armed forces members, border agents, airport security staff, and federal investigators, will continue working without salary for the duration of the closure. Some federal workers will continue working while receiving compensation, especially employees with the Veterans Health Administration and mail carriers, since the mail system functions as an separate organization that generally depends on income from services and sales, not tax dollars.
Significant numbers of several agencies are on temporary leave, meaning they are not working nor receiving pay because their positions are not deemed “essential” to critical government operations.
All government workers who are furloughed or obligated to work without pay during a government shutdown will get back pay, under a law enacted in 2019. Government contractors, however, are not assured back pay for time lost during a government shutdown.
How many people are impacted?
Several hundred thousand of workers are impacted by the shutdown.
Based on federal statistics, the effect of furloughs varies widely across agencies. The EPA is hit hardest, with eighty-nine percent of its employees on leave, followed closely by the Education Department at 87% and the Department of Commerce at eighty-one percent. The Labor Department also sees a significant portion, with 76% of its employees sidelined, while the HUD has 71% on leave.
At the Department of State, 62% of the workforce is not working, while the Department of the Interior stands at fifty-three percent. Approximately 50% of agriculture employees (49%) are impacted, along with 45% of Defense Department civilians and 41% of health and human services workers.
The Homeland Security Department is only five percent furloughed, but the majority of employees remains unpaid until funding returns. The VA projects that 97% of its employees would remain working during a closure.
Travel and Transportation
Can my flight still take off?
Affirmative. Air traffic controllers and airport security officers are continuing to work, but without compensation. Expect potential long lines or delays if staffing becomes stretched.
Will I obtain a passport or entry permit?
Certainly, passport and visa services continue, but delays are possible if the shutdown continues.
Assistance and Health
Can I continue receiving retirement benefits, Medicare or low-income healthcare?
Absolutely. Payments continue, but support services (like benefit verification or replacement cards) may be slowed.
Can I still get Snap or WIC?
Yes, these nutrition programs continue.
What about healthcare and research?
The National Institute of Health hospital stays open for existing patients, but will not admit new ones unless required for health reasons. The US Food and Drug Administration will proceed with certain examinations, but new drug/device approvals are expected to slow down. Research funding are paused.
Public Lands
May I access a federal park?
It depends. Per the Department of the Interior, “park roads, vista points, paths, and open-air memorials will typically stay open to the public”, but visitor services are limited due to reduced staffing.
Certain campsites and isolated areas may shut down completely. If situations deteriorate due to insufficient staff, more parks could be closed. Guided visits of locations such as the US Capitol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will probably be suspended indefinitely.
Smithsonian Museums
Are the national museums open?
The Smithsonian organization, which includes museums, research centers, and the national animal park in the capital will stay open through at least October 6th using “previous budget allocations”. It is uncertain whether they will remain open past that day should the shutdown continue, but updates will be posted on their online platform.
How about the Performing Arts Center?
In a statement, representatives said: “The venue’s events will not be impacted by a closure. Government workers like maintenance staff will not be impacted either.” The spokesperson credited new laws that provided a budget for repairs and restoration for the facility, as the reason employees will continue operations.
Housing
How is the housing market impacted?
The housing crisis is likely to intensify as the HUD stops a significant portion of its activities in housing fairness, according to industry specialists.
“This federal closure will additional hinder HUD and cease the little fair housing work it was currently performing,” experts said. “Numerous of home closings will stop completely – consumers in flood-prone areas will be not able to purchase or sell homes – as funding for the National Flood Insurance Program runs out.”
Experts added: “Widespread, affordable, and equitable access to housing is not feasible without a properly operating government, but this administration has only served to undermine the critical residential initiatives and protections that individuals across the US rely on every day.”
Consumer Protections
How about other implications for consumers?
Following the start of the current administration, watchdog agencies and oversight organizations have faced significant staffing cuts and budget limitations. Analysts caution the closure could worsen the federal capacity to protect consumers.
“This closure is more than political maneuvering, it’s a continuation of the relentless assault on consumer protection,” said consumer advocates. “By halting the specific organizations that protect households from unscrupulous creditors, unfair fees and corporate abuse, the administration is abandoning Americans at the height of a widespread affordability crisis.”
Key Takeaways
- You will continue receiving your retirement benefits and healthcare for seniors.
- Flights will keep going, but with working without pay and potentially limited staff.
- The majority of national parks will stay accessible, but will likely be poorly maintained.
- Smithsonian museums and the Washington zoo are operational through at least 6 October.
- Federal workers are the most affected, with many being unpaid or on temporary leave.
- Consumer protections, which have previously been significantly impacted by reductions, are at danger of incapacity.
