The US federal government has shut down after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget standoff. The impasse affects the funding of government operations through October and beyond and is poised to cause widespread disruption for Americans in areas ranging from air travel to zoo visits. The political gridlock is also expected to put 40% of the federal workforce – about 800,000 people – on unpaid leave. Here's how its impact will be felt across the country.
### Your next flight
A federal shutdown will hit flyers in various ways, potentially leading to long security queues and delays caused by unpaid air traffic controllers choosing to stay home rather than work for free. Air traffic control and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) workers are considered essential, so they will continue to go to work during a shutdown but won't be paid until it ends. Previous shutdowns have seen increased sick calls from these workers, leading to delays. Those traveling abroad might experience longer processing times for travel documents as U.S. passport agencies warn of potential delays.
### No work - or pay - for federal workers
Federal employees will be hardest hit, laying off many who won't receive paychecks while the shutdown continues. Some may take second jobs as they have during previous shutdowns, while others will stay at home without work. Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health may furlough many workers, disrupting ongoing research. Contractors working for federal agencies also face uncertainty as they typically do not receive back pay.
### National Parks with no staff
Federal lands, including National Parks and National Forests, will likely close during the shutdown. In the past, when parks remained open without staff, it led to issues like vandalism and littering. Former park superintendents are advocating for complete closures when a shutdown occurs, stating that parks should not be left open without oversight.
### Visit to the zoo
Some institutions like the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. will remain open temporarily, utilizing funds from prior years. However, webcams showcasing zoo animals will be turned off as non-essential services.
### Health care for the elderly and poor
Medicare and Medicaid programs will continue, but staffing shortages might affect service availability. Other health-related services could face delays or interruptions, and if the shutdown prolongs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could potentially face funding issues affecting their disaster relief operations.
As the situation develops, many Americans are left in uncertainty regarding their travel plans, federal jobs, and access to essential services. Are you a federal worker in the US? Get in touch [at this link here].
### Your next flight
A federal shutdown will hit flyers in various ways, potentially leading to long security queues and delays caused by unpaid air traffic controllers choosing to stay home rather than work for free. Air traffic control and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) workers are considered essential, so they will continue to go to work during a shutdown but won't be paid until it ends. Previous shutdowns have seen increased sick calls from these workers, leading to delays. Those traveling abroad might experience longer processing times for travel documents as U.S. passport agencies warn of potential delays.
### No work - or pay - for federal workers
Federal employees will be hardest hit, laying off many who won't receive paychecks while the shutdown continues. Some may take second jobs as they have during previous shutdowns, while others will stay at home without work. Agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health may furlough many workers, disrupting ongoing research. Contractors working for federal agencies also face uncertainty as they typically do not receive back pay.
### National Parks with no staff
Federal lands, including National Parks and National Forests, will likely close during the shutdown. In the past, when parks remained open without staff, it led to issues like vandalism and littering. Former park superintendents are advocating for complete closures when a shutdown occurs, stating that parks should not be left open without oversight.
### Visit to the zoo
Some institutions like the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. will remain open temporarily, utilizing funds from prior years. However, webcams showcasing zoo animals will be turned off as non-essential services.
### Health care for the elderly and poor
Medicare and Medicaid programs will continue, but staffing shortages might affect service availability. Other health-related services could face delays or interruptions, and if the shutdown prolongs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could potentially face funding issues affecting their disaster relief operations.
As the situation develops, many Americans are left in uncertainty regarding their travel plans, federal jobs, and access to essential services. Are you a federal worker in the US? Get in touch [at this link here].
