This holiday season, Congress in the U.S. may inadvertently step into the shoes of the Grinch.
If lawmakers cannot come to a consensus by midnight on Saturday, a government shutdown could be on the horizon. This situation is causing concern among Americans about the potential impacts on their everyday routines and holiday celebrations.
A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to authorize new funding for federal agencies. During this period, only critical services will continue to operate, such as the military, public safety, law enforcement, TSA staff, air traffic controllers, and the disbursement of Social Security and Medicare payments.
Federal employees who must remain on duty, including many in the military, will be working without paychecks. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of other federal workers could be furloughed, facing financial strains during what is usually a festive time.
Here are a few ways a shutdown could impact Americans.
Will holiday travel be impacted?
Despite a government shutdown, travelers will still be able to fly. TSA airport screeners and FAA air traffic controllers are expected to continue working, although they won’t receive pay until Congress resolves the funding issues. During the shutdown that took place over the 2018 holiday season, air traffic controllers expressed intentions to leave their positions, leading to increased absences and travel delays at various airports.
According to TSA administrator David Pekoske, around 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000 employees will still work to screen travelers and secure airports. However, he warned that “an extended shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.” The TSA expects to screen around 40 million holiday travelers this year.
Moreover, some passport offices may shut down, creating challenges for travelers who need to update documents or resolve issues before heading overseas.
Military personnel will not receive pay until Congress acts
Active-duty military members, both in the U.S. and abroad, will be required to continue their duties during a shutdown but will not receive their regular paychecks, as confirmed by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. This situation also applies to reservists who are called to duty for training exercises.
Ryder emphasized that “the Department of Defense will continue to fulfill our primary responsibility and mission to defend our nation and its citizens,” despite the funding stalemate.
Without a budget or continuing resolution, military personnel will miss their end-of-month pay during the holiday season. Reservists who drill after December 20 won’t be compensated for their service, nor will federal civilians required to work during the shutdown. Historically, when shutdowns are resolved, Congress often allocates funds to retroactively pay both federal employees and military personnel.
Read more: As Shutdown Looms, $100 Billion in Disaster Relief Hangs in Balance
What will happen to national parks?
Most national parks are likely to close during a federal shutdown, which could disrupt travel plans for those wanting to enjoy the country’s natural wonders over the holidays.
The National Park Service has plans in place that generally involve shutting down the majority of parks and monuments. During the 35-day shutdown that started in December 2018, only a few parks, such as the National Mall in Washington, D.C., remained open, albeit with significantly reduced visitor services, including limited guides, concessions, and inadequate restroom facilities. The National Park Service estimated a loss of $500 million in visitor spending during a previous 16-day shutdown in 2013.
In Utah, state officials may tap into state funds to keep national parks operational. Governor Spencer Cox criticized the ongoing congressional negotiations as “just embarrassing” and assured reporters that plans are in place to ensure the five national parks in Utah remain accessible during a shutdown.
How will safety-net programs be impacted?
Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide support during a shutdown. However, federal offices managing these programs may experience limited capabilities in assisting individuals who need to enroll or resolve issues related to their benefits. If the deadlock continues, funding for WIC and SNAP could run out.
Additionally, prolonged shutdowns could impact childcare programs such as Head Start, which offers grants to childcare centers for families struggling to afford preschool education.
Social Security and Medicare benefits will continue without disruption. However, federal offices may have limited capacity to assist individuals seeking to enroll or resolve issues. Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability payments, will also remain unaffected.
