Impending Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know About the Possible Consequences

As the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches, concerns are mounting over the impact it could have on crucial services and the livelihoods of federal workers.

Congress is currently facing the challenge of approving new government funding legislation to prevent a partial shutdown, which could begin as soon as midnight on Friday.

Another, larger shutdown looms just a week later.


So, what exactly is a government shutdown?

In simple terms, it occurs when the federal government is unable to spend money due to a lack of appropriated funds approved by Congress. In this case, the funding legislation for various agencies is set to expire at 12:01 am on Saturday.

The funding that is at risk of expiring covers roughly 20 percent of the federal government. This includes agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration, among others.

While not all agencies would shut down completely, several essential activities and services may be affected. For example, air traffic controllers would continue working without pay, as would food safety inspectors. Veterans benefits, including healthcare and pensions, would also continue during a government shutdown.


However, the potential consequences extend beyond federal workers. Programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) may experience interruptions if a shutdown lasts for an extended period.

Rental assistance beneficiaries could see sharp cuts in their benefits or even face the threat of eviction.

The government shutdown is slated to begin on March 2, should new funding legislation not be passed in time.

Furthermore, funding for the remaining 80 percent of the federal government, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and State, is set to expire on March 8, ushering in a larger, partial shutdown.

This impending shutdown has its roots in the agreement between President Biden and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Far-right Republicans are pushing for deeper spending cuts and the inclusion of conservative policy provisions in the funding bills.


However, negotiations are proving difficult, given the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House.

As the clock ticks, Members of Congress have a few options to prevent or minimize the impact of a shutdown.

They can pass the necessary funding bills, opt for another continuing resolution to extend funding temporarily, pass a short-term CR to buy more time for negotiations, or, in the worst-case scenario, allow a brief government shutdown while working towards a resolution over the weekend.


In conclusion, the government shutdown deadline is fast approaching, and the consequences could be far-reaching.

A partial shutdown would affect crucial federal services, vulnerable populations, and thousands of federal workers. It remains to be seen if Congress can overcome their differences and pass the much-needed legislation to avert a potential crisis.