Federal Government Funding Lapse Begins
The U.S. federal government shut down on Wednesday after Congress failed to pass a new funding bill before the fiscal year ended. Each agency has released contingency plans explaining what operations will continue and which will be suspended.
Federal Worker Pay and Employment
- Most federal employees are not receiving pay during the shutdown.
- Essential staff must continue working without pay until funding is restored.
- Non-essential employees are furloughed but are legally entitled to back pay once the government reopens.
- President Donald Trump and members of Congress continue receiving paychecks, as their salaries are constitutionally protected.
- The White House said layoffs could begin within days, with discussions underway about potential long-term agency cuts.
Military and Veterans’ Affairs
- Active-duty military remain on duty, though pay is delayed.
- Veterans Affairs reports 97% of staff will continue working, but regional offices are closed.
- Certain benefits, such as headstone placements at VA cemeteries and maintenance services, are paused.
- Army and Navy websites will have limited updates, while the Air Force and Space Force have stopped regular online updates.
Air Travel
- More than 13,000 air traffic controllers remain on the job, working without immediate pay.
- Aircraft certification and safety oversight continue, but training of new controllers and some inspections are suspended.
- The National Air Traffic Controllers Association warned the shutdown reduces overall safety and efficiency.
Social Security
- Benefits continue without interruption, as they are mandatory spending under federal law.
- Delays may occur in processing new applications due to reduced staffing.
Health and Human Services
- Roughly 32,000 of nearly 80,000 employees are furloughed.
- Essential operations such as pandemic response, emergency medical research, and disaster preparedness continue.
- Grants, research contracts, and processing of Freedom of Information Act requests are suspended.
Food and Drug Administration
- Critical activities continue, including drug safety reviews, foodborne illness monitoring, and import screening.
- New drug and medical device applications are not being processed.
- Oversight of animal feed safety and long-term food safety programs are suspended.
Education
- Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans are still disbursed to nearly 10 million students.
- Borrowers must continue making loan payments.
- About 95% of Education Department staff not tied to student aid are furloughed.
- New grants and awards are halted.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Disease monitoring and outbreak response continue.
- Guidance for state and local health programs, as well as analysis of surveillance data, is suspended.
- Roughly one-third of staff remain active.
Nutrition Assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues, supported by contingency funds through October.
- The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program faces immediate funding challenges, with states warned of potential disruptions if the shutdown lasts beyond one to two weeks.
National Parks and Museums
- Parks remain partially open. Roads, trails, and open-air memorials are accessible, but visitor centers and staffed facilities are closed.
- Emergency services, trash collection, and restrooms are limited.
- The Smithsonian museums and National Zoo remain open through October 6 using leftover funds. Zoo animals will continue to be cared for, but animal live-cams are offline.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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