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New Delhi: The US government began to shut down on Wednesday after Democrats and Republicans failed to reach a consensus on spending bill. Senators voted down a final attempt to prevent a shutdown.
Last-ditch efforts went in vain as negotiations in Congress reached nowhere. Tuesday marked the end of the fiscal year. With negotiations falling flat, hundreds of thousands of federal employees classified as nonessential could now be furloughed. Trump has even hinted that there could be permanent layoffs. There's no clarity on what specific cuts could follow due to the shutdown.
As a result of the shutdown, several services will close and face disruptions and some may continue to function as the closure takes effect. Let's see what will remain open and what would be closed.
Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security
The Social Security Administration will keep issuing retirement and disability benefits, but would furlough 12% of its employees and stop marketing campaigns, according to the agency’s shutdown plan. Payments would likewise continue under the Medicare and Medicaid healthcare programmes.
Postal services
The US Postal Service would not be affected by the shutdown because it does not depend on Congress for funding. Post offices will be open.
Airports and air travel
Airports will continue to function, with TSA and air traffic controllers on duty, though passengers may face longer lines and possible delays. Reuters said over 13,000 air traffic controllers would continue working, but without pay until the shutdown ends, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Most TSA employees would continue working, according to an agency statement.
Law enforcement
Agents at the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Coast Guard and other federal law enforcement agencies would be required to remain on duty.
Food aid
According to a US Department of Agriculture shutdown plan, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s largest food aid program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) would continue to operate during a shutdown, but only as long as funding lasts.
Military and National Guard
As per the Department of Defense, the 2 million US military personnel would stay on duty without salary until the shutdown ends. National Guard forces deployed by Trump to US cities would also continue working.
Immigration and border security
Most Justice Department staff operating the immigration court system will remain on duty, as Trump has declared illegal immigration a national emergency. As per the Department of Homeland Security’s shutdown plan, border patrol and immigration enforcement agents, as well as most customs officers, would continue functioning.
Small businesses
The Small Business Administration would place 24% of its staff on furlough. It would stop approval of new loans for small businesses to purchase equipment or upgrade facilities. Disaster recovery lending would remain unaffected.
National parks
National parks, although the National Park Service had not officially released a shutdown contingency plan as of Tuesday afternoon, September 30, would be affected by the shutdown.
Smithsonian museums
Smithsonian museums could close if the shutdown stretches for an extended period.
Federal workers
Essential workers will keep working without salary, while non-essential workers are furloughed but will get back pay once the shutdown ends.
