Now the Government is Shutdown: What You Need to Know

What is affected?

  • Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed (unpaid leave) or required to work without pay if their jobs are deemed essential (e.g., air traffic controllers, law enforcement, military).
  • National parks, museums, and monuments may close or operate with limited staff.
  • Nutrition assistance, housing aid, veteran claims, and some Social Security/Medicaid services may be delayed or disrupted.
  • Federal contractors (like janitors and security guards) are not guaranteed back pay.
  • Economic data releases (jobs reports, CPI, etc.) are delayed, affecting financial markets.

What continues?

  • Essential services: National security, disaster response, inpatient/emergency medical care, air traffic control, border security, and power grid maintenance continue, though some may be strained.
  • Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments continue, but with possible slowdowns.

Federal Employees

  • Furloughed employees usually receive back pay after the shutdown ends, but face immediate financial hardship.
  • Congress and the President continue to be paid.

Military & Veterans

  • Most military operations and veteran benefits continue, but pay is delayed.
  • Some National Guard orders may be terminated unless for essential duties.
  • Some VA services (like cemetery maintenance) are suspended.

Economy & Public Impact

  • Shutdowns disrupt public services and strain government resources.
  • The daily cost of furloughed federal workers is estimated at $400 million.
  • The length and impact of the shutdown are uncertain; previous shutdowns have lasted from days to over a month.

Presidential Powers During a Government Shutdown

  • The President retains all constitutional powers as head of the executive branch.
  • Essential federal operations (national security, law enforcement, disaster response, etc.) continue under presidential direction.
  • The President can fire or appoint federal officials, including hiring temporary or acting personnel for essential roles, as long as funding and legal requirements are met.
  • Executive orders can still be issued to direct agencies on how to operate during the shutdown.
  • The President can sign or veto bills, including any funding bills to end the shutdown.
  • Hiring new permanent employees for non-essential roles is generally paused due to lack of funding, but temporary or emergency hires for critical needs may be possible if legally allowed and funds are available.

Help and Support Resources During the Shutdown

  • USA.gov Shutdown Resources: https://www.usa.gov/government-shutdown — Official updates, FAQs, and links to federal agency contingency plans.
  • National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE): https://www.narfe.org/ — Guidance and support for federal employees and retirees.
  • Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA): https://feea.org/ — Emergency hardship loans, scholarships, and resources for federal workers.
  • Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank — Find local food banks and food assistance.
  • 211.org: https://www.211.org/ — Free, confidential help for food, housing, health, and financial needs (call 2-1-1 or visit the website).
  • National Low Income Housing Coalition: https://nlihc.org/ — Housing assistance and advocacy.
  • Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ — Tips for managing bills and credit during a shutdown.
  • State and Local Government Websites: Many states and cities offer additional support programs for residents affected by the shutdown.

If you or your family are struggling, reach out to these organizations or your local community services for help. Many groups are offering special assistance during this period.

Resources

  • Federal agencies provide updates on their websites about which services are available.
  • Relief programs and guidance are available for affected workers and families.

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