By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
In the event of a government shutdown, which could take place tonight unless lawmakers reach a deal on the federal budget within the next few hours, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has published a list of facts about what citizens can expect:
Social Security
Checks will most likely continue to be sent because this entitlement program is funded through payroll taxes rather than annual spending bills. However, the White House has warned that new applicants could be affected.
Military Operations
The shut down will not affect operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, but if the government shuts down tonight, troops will receive only half a paycheck for the first two weeks of April, then no pay until a deal is reached. They will receive all back pay when the shutdown ends.
Postal Service
There will be no interruptions in postal service because it is funded by its customers.
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Commission Doug Shulman told the WSJ the deadline for filing tax returns is April 18, regardless of a possible government shutdown. Shulman encouraged people who haven’t yet filed to do so electronically because there would be delays in processing payer returns and refunds.
Air Traffic Control
Much like what happened in the previous government shutdown in 1995, air traffic control will continue without interruption, as will passenger and baggage screening by the Transportation Security Administration.
Border Security
Maintaining security at the nation’s borders will continue as this activity is specifically exempted from a government shutdown.
National Parks
All National Parks and Nation Forests will close in the event of a shutdown. The Smithsonian Institution and National Zoo would be forced to close their doors tomorrow morning, as 70 percent of their funding comes from the U.S. government.
Government Workers
An estimated 800,000 federal employees will be furloughed if Congress can’t reach an agreement to keep the government running.
Federal Courts
A spokeswoman for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts told the WSF that the federal court system would continue running for about 10 working days, using non-appropriated funds such as filing fees. If the shutdown continues longer than two weeks, federal public defenders and federal jurors would likely see their pay checks deferred and some probation officers might be designated as nonessential. Judges for federal district courts, appeals courts and the U. S. Supreme Court would continue working.
Passports
Normal passport processing will be halted in the event of a shutdown, with only emergency passport services continuing.
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