What Happens If the Government Shuts Down?

There is much talk in the news about what will happen in less than five days. Saturday, September 30, 2023, is the end of the fiscal year for the federal government. The federal government will officially “shut down” if Congress does not pass the necessary appropriation bills to keep the government running. So, what will happen if the government shuts down? According to Eva Terry at The Deseret News, the following is expected: 

·         Essential workers will be required to work during the shutdown, but other employees will be furloughed. Those who are furloughed will not receive paychecks until the government is funded once again.

·         Economic growth will be reduced by 0.2% per week until the government is funded, and normal rates return.

·         TSA and its 56,000 employees will be working without pay. However, employees may call in sick, and delays, and wait times at airports could be increased.

·         Passport services will continue.

·         Amtrack will continue normal operations.

·         Ten thousand children may lose access to Head Start.

·         Routine inspections by the FDA, the EPA, and the Department of Interior will be halted.

·         Social Security and disability payments will be sent because they come from a trust fund.