This Christmas, the U.S. Congress might be taking on the role of the Grinch.
If lawmakers fail to reach an agreement by midnight on Saturday, the government could face a shutdown. This has many Americans concerned about how such a shutdown could affect their daily lives and the holiday festivities ahead.
A government shutdown occurs when Congress is unable to authorize new funding for federal agencies. During this period, only essential services remain operational, including the military, public safety, law enforcement, TSA personnel, air traffic controllers, and payments for Social Security and Medicare.
Federal employees who are still required to work, including millions in the armed forces, will do so without receiving paychecks. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of other federal employees would be placed on furlough. These individuals would have to navigate financial difficulties and uncertainties during what is typically a joyful season.
Here are several ways a shutdown could affect Americans.
Will holiday travel be affected?
Travelers can still fly during a government shutdown. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screeners and air traffic controllers from the Federal Aviation Administration are expected to report to their jobs. However, these federal workers will not receive paychecks until Congress reaches a resolution. During the shutdown that occurred over the 2018 holiday period, air traffic controllers expressed intentions to leave their posts, and increased absences contributed to travel delays at various airports.
David Pekoske, the TSA administrator, stated that about 59,000 of the agency’s 62,000 employees will be on duty during a shutdown to screen travelers and maintain airport security. However, he cautioned that “an extended shutdown could lead to longer wait times at airports.” The TSA anticipates screening approximately 40 million holiday travelers this season.
Additionally, passport offices in certain locations may close, complicating matters for travelers needing to update their documents or resolve issues before international trips.
Troops will not receive pay until Congress acts
Active-duty military personnel stationed in the U.S. and abroad will be required to fulfill their duties during a shutdown but will not receive their regular paychecks, as confirmed by Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. This also applies to reservists who must report for duty and training exercises.
Ryder emphasized that “the Department of Defense will continue to uphold our primary responsibility and mission to defend our nation and its citizens,” despite the funding impasse.
In the absence of a budget or continuing resolution, military personnel will miss their end-of-month pay during the holiday season. Reservists who drill after December 20 will not be compensated for their service, nor will federal civilians required to work during the shutdown. Historically, when Congress resolves shutdowns, they often allocate funds to retroactively compensate 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 expected to close during a federal shutdown, which could derail vacation plans for those hoping to explore the nation’s natural treasures over the holidays.
The National Park Service has contingency plans 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, but with diminished visitor services, such as 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 utilize funds from the state budget to keep national parks operational. Governor Spencer Cox criticized the ongoing congressional negotiations as “just embarrassing” and assured reporters that the state has plans to ensure the five national parks in Utah remain open during a shutdown.
How will safety-net programs be affected?
Programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue to provide assistance during a shutdown. However, federal offices overseeing these programs may offer limited support for individuals needing to enroll or resolve issues with their benefits. If the impasse persists, funding for WIC and SNAP could be depleted.
Moreover, extended shutdowns could disrupt childcare programs like Head Start, which provides grants to childcare centers for families facing financial challenges in affording preschool education.
Social Security and Medicare benefits will continue without interruption. However, federal offices may have reduced capacity to assist those seeking to enroll or resolve issues. Veterans Affairs benefits, including pensions and disability payments, will also persist.
