This Christmas season, it seems the U.S. Congress may be stepping into the shoes of the Grinch.
If lawmakers are unable to come to an agreement by midnight on Saturday, the government could face a shutdown, leaving many Americans worried about how this might impact their daily routines and holiday celebrations.
A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to approve new funding for federal agencies. During such times, only essential services continue to run, including military operations, public safety, law enforcement, TSA personnel, air traffic control, and Social Security and Medicare payments.
Federal employees who must remain on duty, such as many in the armed forces, will not receive their paychecks during this period. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of other federal workers would face furloughs, leading to financial strain and uncertainty during what should be a festive time.
Here are some potential impacts of a shutdown on Americans.
Will holiday travel be disrupted?
Travelers will still be able to fly even during a government shutdown. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers are expected to report for work. However, these federal employees will not receive their paychecks until Congress resolves the funding issue. During the 2018 holiday shutdown, some air traffic controllers indicated they might leave their posts, which led to increased absences and delays at various airports.
According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, about 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000 workers will be on duty to ensure traveler screening and airport security remains intact. He did, however, warn that “a prolonged shutdown could result in longer wait times at airports.” The TSA forecasts that around 40 million holiday travelers will pass through security this season.
Moreover, passport offices in certain areas may close, making it difficult for travelers who need to update their documentation or resolve issues before heading abroad.
Service members will be unpaid until Congress resolves the issue
Active-duty military personnel both in the U.S. and overseas will be required to continue their duties during a shutdown, but they will not receive their usual paychecks, as confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. This also applies to reservists who must report for training and other duties.
Ryder underscored that “the Department of Defense will maintain its core responsibility and mission to defend our nation and its citizens,” even amidst the funding stalemate.
Without a budget or a continuing resolution, military personnel will miss their end-of-month pay during the holiday. Reservists who drill after December 20 will not receive payment for their service, nor will federal civilians required to work during the shutdown. Historically, when Congress resolves shutdowns, they often provide funding to retroactively pay federal employees and military personnel.
Read more: As Shutdown Approaches, $100 Billion in Disaster Relief at Stake
What will happen to national parks?
Most national parks are likely to close during a federal shutdown, which could disrupt vacation plans for those eager to enjoy the country’s natural beauty during the holiday season.
The National Park Service has contingency measures that typically involve closing the majority of parks and monuments. During the 35-day shutdown that began in December 2018, only a few parks, like the National Mall in Washington, D.C., remained open, albeit with limited services such as fewer guides, reduced concessions, and inadequate restroom access. 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 the state budget to keep national parks open. Governor Spencer Cox criticized the ongoing congressional negotiations as “just embarrassing” and reassured reporters that the state has measures in place to ensure the five national parks in Utah remain operational 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 offer support during a shutdown. However, federal offices managing these programs may have limited resources to assist individuals needing to enroll or address issues with their benefits. If the deadlock continues, funding for WIC and SNAP may run out.
Additionally, prolonged shutdowns could disrupt childcare initiatives like Head Start, which provides grants to childcare centers for families struggling to afford preschool education.
Social Security and Medicare benefits will continue without interruption, although federal offices may have reduced capacity to assist with enrollment or problem resolution. Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability payments, will also remain unaffected.
