There have been four “true” government shutdowns — where all funding has been lapsed for more than one day — since 1995. Government agencies generally expect to experience shutdowns from time to time and prepare accordingly. For example, the Office of Management and Budget maintains a detailed list of agency-by-agency guidance on how to operate during a shutdown.
Most federal employees deemed essential work as normal during a shutdown (although without pay), including border protection, law enforcement and in-hospital medical care. However, other services and projects will likely be curtailed. For instance, the Smithsonian museums could close and CDC and NIH scientists will be temporarily sent home. Other services that depend on appropriations from Congress will stop, such as passport processing, processing of small business loans and Social Security benefits, food-safety inspections and verification of Medicare card issuance.
Shutdowns can impact the economy, as businesses delay spending or even stop hiring and customers postpone travel plans. The American Hotel & Lodging Association notes that every day the shutdown goes on, hotels lose valuable business. And for many workers, missed paychecks can be debilitating. Federal employees have a passion for their work and are invested in the mission of the agencies they serve. For them, a shutdown is like being told their work doesn’t matter. And that’s unacceptable. It’s time for Congress to reopen the government and end this unnecessary standoff.