Urgent Deadline: What Happens If Congress Fails to Fund the Government by Friday?

With the threat of a government shutdown looming, lawmakers are under pressure to finalize a funding agreement by midnight on Friday. If they fail, the repercussions could be serious for many Americans.

Lawmakers averted a shutdown last December by passing a stopgap funding bill. This bill, signed by then-President Joe Biden, extended government funding until mid-March of this year. However, if Congress cannot agree on a new plan, Saturday could mark the start of the first government shutdown since the last one ended after 35 days under President Trump in January 2019.

During his presidency, Trump faced intense scrutiny over multiple shutdowns, particularly one that saw extended delays and numerous federal services halted. Now, he has attributed the potential current crisis to congressional Democrats, stating, “If there’s a shutdown, it’s only going to be because of Democrats.”

So, what happens if the government shuts down? Here’s a breakdown of the possible impact:

Around 900,000 federal workers could be furloughed without pay. Additionally, more than 1.4 million essential employees would report to work, but many would not be paid, at least initially. Rachel Snyderman from the Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that only about 750,000 of these essential employees’ salaries come from other funding sources.

The effects of shutdowns can vary. Historically, previous shutdowns have led to national parks and museums closing, stalled food inspections, and canceled immigration hearings. During past shutdowns, air traffic controllers had to work, but many called in sick, which caused significant delays in air travel.

Certain vital services will continue. For instance, Social Security and Medicare benefits will still be paid out. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will also remain operational because it’s tax season, using funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

The Social Security Administration has a plan that specifies only a small portion of its employees would be furloughed, allowing key services to continue. However, some functions, like correcting earnings records, would be paused.

As for the State Department, about half of its nearly 30,000 employees could be sent home. Yet, consular operations will continue if they have sufficient fees, ensuring services like passports and visas remain operational.

The history of government shutdowns shows they’ve often resulted in wide-ranging impacts. The 2018-2019 shutdown, for instance, led to significant disruptions across various sectors, affecting everything from immigration to federal lending processes.

In today’s context, social media is buzzing with opinions and reactions regarding this current threat. Many express frustration over the repeated government gridlock. Others share experiences from previous shutdowns, warning about their potential fallout, especially on families reliant on federal services.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with Congress to find a resolution. With only hours left to finalize a funding plan, the uncertainty leaves many worried about the immediate effects on government services, jobs, and daily life.

For further information on government shutdowns and their effects, you can check detailed reports from reliable sources like the [Congressional Research Service](https://crsreports.congress.gov/).

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