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So, it’s official! The government shut down Saturday morning at 12:01 am because lawmaker were not able to come up with a plan to continue government funding into next week. Many people want to know how they or branches of the government be affected. Here’s some information for you.
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How is the Military affected? Military operations around the world will be unaffected, including the war in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq. All active duty will continue to work, and civilian personnel whose jobs are deemed essential will continue to work but will not be paid until after the shutdown is over.
According to ABCNews.com, other agencies will be effected as well.
Staffing at most agencies will be cut to just a fraction of normal levels across federal government agencies.
Consumer Product Safety Commission: The number of employees goes from 550 to 22. Investigations generally come to a halt. It continues to implement the most critical of recalls.
National Transportation Safety Board: Employees go from 405 to 22. Most investigations cannot be launched or continued during shutdown. However, if a major transportation accident occurs, it will be investigated.
Department of Education: Employees go from 4,000 to 250, more than 150 of those are from the student financial aid office… so already-awarded grants and loans can continue as normal.
Department of Homeland Security: Staffing would go down from 232,860 to 201,700. There will still be normal security at airports, train stations, etc…
FEMA will retain more than 12,000 of its 15,000 employees. But in October of 2013, the agency’s administrative support reportedly suffered (IT, HR, etc…)
US Postal Service: You’ll still get your mail.
Department of Transportation: Air Traffic Controllers keep directing flights. FAA, FRA, FTA and other agency investigations generally come to a halt unless they pose an imminent threat.
Social Security: Will continue to issue checks.
EPA: Employees were told to go to work next week in the event of a shutdown. Administrator Scott Pruitt said in an email that the EPA has “sufficient resources” to stay open for a limited amount of time.
USDA: Meat, egg, and dairy inspections continue. Food stamps are still available but could run out of money. Food inspections of processed and imported food conducted by the FDA would be suspended.
Customer service at many of these agencies, including Medicare and Medicaid could be impacted due to furloughed employees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would have a tough time supporting its annual seasonal influenza program, among other programs. Reduced staffing and worker furloughs might be needed.
