After not being able to agree on a budget last year, Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through March 4.
Here’s what would and wouldn’t be affected if Congress can’t come to an agreement by the deadline:
What would be shut down or curtailed
Veterans services
During the last government shutdown 15 years ago, many veterans services were cut back, from health and welfare to finance and travel.
Parks and museums
National parks and museums would shut down and lose revenue from patrons.
In the last shutdowns in late 1995 and early 1996, the government closed 368 National Park Service sites, along with national museums and monuments.
Passports
Those seeking passports or other documents would not be able to do so.
During the last shutdown, 200,000 passport applications went unprocessed. In addition, the tourism industry and airlines reportedly suffered millions of dollars in losses.
Social Security
During the last shutdown, the Social Security Administration kept enough staff in place to ensure benefits were paid out, but new claims weren’t processed. As the shutdown wore on, the agency recalled workers to start processing new claims.
Government employees
A shutdown would result in the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. While on furlough, federal employees won’t receive a paycheck, and neither will government contractors. Federal employees will eventually receive back-pay, but contractors won’t be so lucky.
States
Federal funds to states would be cut off, leaving states already in a cash crunch to somehow fill the gap.
Law enforcement and legal services
During the last shutdown, delays occurred in the processing of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives applications by the ATF. Federal agencies suspended work on more than 3,500 bankruptcy cases and canceled recruitment and testing of federal law enforcement officials.
What would be kept running
National security
President Obama has the discretion to keep certain government functions operating, especially when they are essential to keeping the nation safe, including the military, coast guard, foreign relations staff, border patrol and other national security officials.
The U.S. Postal Service wouldn’t be affected and mail would still be delivered.
Transportation
Air traffic controllers would remain on the job.
Prisons
There would be no change to federal prison staff.
Disaster/Emergency services
Emergency and disaster assistance personnel would also be at work.
(Source: CNN)
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8 Responses
Yes, the govt shutdown for a litle bit but to the chagrin of those on the left, WE SURVIVED!!!!! So if the govt shuts down again because the left wants to keep spending our money, that’s fine.
basicly adefualt victory for republicians !!!
I think it is TIME to make sure all Yidden have their US passports current. Three of my minor children’s passport are expiring in June of this year, I know it is expensive but perhaps it is time to renew them now.May Hashem bless us during these uncertain times. Moshaich is closer to coming each and everyday!
They should permanently shutdown all these non essential services.
3. I’m not saying I disagree with the premise however who said EY will be the safest place? When the Novi talks about Gog u’Magog, it sounds like lots of people in EY nebach don’t make it.
It doesn’t save any money, and typically ends up with most civil servants getting a paid vacation, and sometimes overtime to do the work they would have done. A little money is saved from some contractors not getting paid, but not much.
It is a very visible symbolic protest. It also shows the power of our constitution in giving the Congress the power of the purse (which goes back to magna carta). It also makes the people running the government look like fools, but since that’s not a חידוש.
@Tums:
You may have a passport, not be veteran, and think you’re not reliant upon the federal government. All of those “non-essential” services are essential to someone. Additionally, a good portion of federal monies go to the states. It is more likely that the effects on the states will impact you directly. Unless, of course, you don’t care about either roads or mass transit, schools (who cares about public schools? Your kids are in Yeshiva), police (USDOJ funds a lot of local police programs), fire (USDHS funds fire grant programs), etc.
Yes, government should be run better. Yes, we need to save money. Yes, we can eliminate some obsolete programs. However, most programs are there for a reason.
#4,
Passports are non-essential?