PORT ANGELES — Congress scrambled for three days to pass a continuing resolution that would fund the government and avert a shutdown.
At press time, Democrats and Republicans had not yet reached an agreement by their midnight Friday deadline that would avoid closing the government down for the holidays.
During a shutdown, essential functions of government are preserved and many programs are exempt, but that doesn’t mean its impact won’t be felt.
Millions of federal employees will be furloughed and won’t get paychecks. Workers whose jobs are deemed essential will be required to work without pay.
All workers will receive back wages when the legislation that funds the government is signed.
There have been 21 government shutdowns since 1976. The last one also was the longest, taking place over 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term in office.
The following are U.S. government services and how they may be impacted during a shutdown:
Federal Aviation Administration
Air traffic controllers with the FAA are deemed essential employees and will continue to work.
Medicare and Medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid benefits will continue, although new applicants might see delays. A representative with Olympic Medical Center said in an email Friday that a shutdown will not impact its services.
Social Security
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will continue to receive their payments.
Olympic National Park
A representative with the National Park Service did not respond to a question about access to Olympic National Park. However, according to the NPS’ contingency plan published in March 2024, “Areas that by their nature are physically accessible to the public will face significantly reduced visitor services.” It encouraged the public not to visit during shutdowns.
U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service isn’t affected by government shutdowns because it’s not funded through Congress. It relies on the sale of products and services rather than tax dollars. Post offices will remain open and mail will continue to be delivered.
U.S. Coast Guard, other active duty service members
Active duty U.S. Coast Guard and other service members are deemed essential and required to report for duty, but they won’t receive paychecks.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Transportation Security Administration employees are considered essential and must continue working. However, travelers should prepare for longer wait times at airports, TSA administrator David Pekoske posted on X on Thursday.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents also are essential workers who must continue to work without pay at U.S. border crossings, which will remain open if the government shuts down.
Veterans Affairs
Veterans Affairs will not be impacted. Hospitals, clinics and services will remain open. The Veterans Crisis Line and other call centers will remain available as well.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
