What federal services will be affected?
Although many programs are exempt, the public can still expect to feel the impact of a full government shutdown in several ways. Some essential services continue, but many others are delayed, reduced, or closed until funding is restored.
Social Security and Medicare: Benefit checks continue to be issued; however, services such as benefit verification and new card issuance may be paused.
Environmental and Food Inspections: Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may suspend site inspections, including those for hazardous waste, drinking water, and chemical facilities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may delay certain food safety inspections.
National Parks: More than 400 parks, monuments, and recreation sites may close. In cases where they remain open without staff, visitors may see limited or no services, as well as potential safety or maintenance concerns.
Air Travel: Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers often continue to work without pay, which can result in longer security lines and potential delays at major airports due to reduced staffing.
Health and Human Services: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) may be unable to admit new patients or process new grant applications. Some federal funding streams, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), may be disrupted, requiring states to provide temporary funding.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): With recent supplemental funding, many IRS operations would continue and most employees would remain on duty.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): While funding for SNAP benefits is mandatory, distribution could be disrupted if a shutdown extends beyond short-term funding provisions. Additionally, retailers whose Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) licenses expire during a shutdown may be unable to accept SNAP benefits until funding resumes.
NOTE: This is not a complete list. If you rely on a specific program or service, it is important to check directly with that agency or provider to understand how a shutdown may affect you. To learn more, please visit:
https://www.gao.gov/blog/what-continuing-resolution-and-how-does-it-impact-government-operations