with a federal spending bill now finishedThe US faces a potential government shutdown that could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, when current funding expires. This raises questions about what types of services and payments may be affected in the days before the holidays.
Fears of a shutdown stem from a dispute over a spending bill that was supposed to extend funding through March 14, but some Republicans – including President-elect Donald Trump – objected, leading House Speaker Mike Johnson to block it. Was cancelled. billions of dollars In the expense that was added to the bill.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a billionaire who spent approximately $300 million While supporting Trump and other Republican candidates in the November election, he also voiced his opposition to the spending bill, which he called “terrible”. When the measure was canceled, Musk announced On X, “The voice of the people has triumphed!”
Without congressional approval for new spending, federal agencies are generally barred from apportioning funds, although there are some exceptions, such as for activities to protect life and property. Additionally, agencies must decide which employees remain on the job, which could have disparate impacts on government operations.
“The shutdown could be disruptive, causing delays in processing applications for passports, small business loans or government benefits,” David Wessel, senior fellow for economic studies at the Brookings Institution, wrote earlier this year. blog post,
Here's what the impact could be if the US government shuts down on December 21.
What happens if there is a government shutdown?
If the federal government shuts down, many government workers would be furloughed, although those providing essential services like law enforcement and air traffic control would continue to report to their jobs.
However, none of those federal employees will get paid until Congress approves the new spending bill. After the shutdown ends, workers will receive retroactive pay checks that include the days they were furloughed or had to work without pay. According To the Office of Personnel Management.
This may create difficulties for some government employees, as happened during the shutdown extended for more than 30 daysStarting December 22, 2018. During that pause, many federal employees headed to the food pantry And other forms of assistance to make ends meet when they did not receive salaries for several weeks.
Does the government shutdown affect Social Security?
The country's 67 million Social Security recipients will continue to receive their checks, even if the government shuts down businesses. Medicare will also continue to operate, meaning seniors' medications or treatments covered under the health care plan will not be affected.
This is because Social Security and Medicare benefits are both authorized by laws that do not require annual approval.
Nevertheless, Social Security's administrative budget is discretionary, meaning it requires approval from Congress, According To AARP. As a result, some services provided by the Social Security Administration could be affected in the shutdown, such as benefit verification and new applications for benefits, the group says.
Will the government shutdown affect TSA or air travel?
With millions of Americans expected to travel for the holidays, there are plenty of questions about how the shutdown could affect air travel. Because they provide essential services, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration agents must work without pay.
TSA said in an email to CBS News that about 59,000 of TSA's 62,000 employees are considered essential and will continue to work without pay during the shutdown. But the agency warned that the shutdown could cause delays at airports during the holiday season.
A TSA spokesperson said, “We expect to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through January 2.” “While our personnel have prepared to handle the large number of passengers and ensure safe travel, the extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.”
Does USPS deliver mail during government shutdown?
Yes, because the US Postal Service is an independent agency. Operations have continued through previous shutdowns. This means mail will still be delivered, and post offices will remain open.
Do military get paid during government shutdown?
Active-duty members of the military and federal law enforcement will continue to work, but they will not be paid until Congress signs off on new spending. But most civilian personnel working for the US Department of Defense will be furloughed.
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense are expected to begin alerting employees about shutdown protocols starting Thursday. According To Military Times. The publication said its impact will likely be felt in the first week of January when the first military salaries of 2025 will be deposited, which includes a 4.5% pay increase for all soldiers.
What shuts down in government shutdown?
Many services would be halted or delayed if the shutdown occurred, including environmental and food inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According For the Committee on a Responsible Federal Budget, a public policy group that focuses on federal spending.
The group said national parks were likely to be closed, while national health institutions could also be affected. While taxes are still due, such as quarterly estimated payments due January 15, the IRS may also be affected by the holiday, although tax filing season typically does not begin until late January.
How long could the government shutdown last?
The chances of a government shutdown have increased with the latest developments, according to Goldman Sachs analysts in a Dec. 18 research note. But, he added, “the likelihood of a prolonged closure seems low in our view.”
A spending measure could also be passed before the Dec. 21 deadline if Republicans can amend it to appease Trump, who objected to it. billions of dollars Goldman analysts said the bill added spending.
They wrote, “Trump's opposition was unrelated to key components – he called for a spending expansion, and support for disaster and farm aid – so it's possible that a revised package could still pass before the deadline.”