The ongoing government shutdown, now in its 35th day, is having far-reaching consequences. Here's a breakdown of some of the most significant impacts, as reported by CNN and other sources. With no end in sight, the shutdown is poised to become the longest in history, surpassing the 2019 record set during President Donald Trump's first term.
Financial Impact:
- Federal Workers: Over 1 million federal employees are going unpaid, with some deemed "essential" and others furloughed. Lawmakers and judges, protected by the Constitution, continue to receive their salaries, but some are choosing not to accept payments during the shutdown.
- Contractors: Indirect federal contractors are also affected, with no guarantee of back pay once the shutdown ends.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
- Benefits: Nearly 42 million people won't receive their full SNAP benefits, as the contingency fund falls short of the monthly $8 billion needed.
- Impact: Food banks are experiencing increased demand, highlighting the disruption to a vital support system for low-income families.
Child Nutrition Programs:
- Funding: Tariffs are partially funding child nutrition programs, including the WIC program for women, infants, and children.
Data Disruptions:
- Health Data: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV data are not being updated, creating gaps in local government and health system preparedness.
Education and Early Childhood Development:
- Head Start Programs: These programs, providing early education for low-income children, have started losing federal funding, impacting 140 programs in 41 states.
Healthcare and Insurance:
- Obamacare Premiums: Premiums are already rising, and some enrollees may face more than double the cost. The future of enhanced subsidies remains uncertain as the shutdown continues.
- Medicare Open Enrollment: Furloughed healthcare workers were recalled to help individuals sign up for Medicare plans, ensuring continuity in healthcare services.
Travel and Infrastructure:
- Air Traffic Control: Air traffic controllers, working without pay, have led to increased staffing shortages at airports, causing travel delays.
- Mortgage Delays: While most homebuyers continue to secure loans, some government loan programs, like the USDA's rural housing program, have been affected.
Small Businesses:
- Loan Applications: The SBA has paused new loan applications, impacting small businesses' ability to access funding.
Nuclear Security:
- Furloughs: Nuclear safety workers were furloughed for the first time, forcing key facilities into "safe shutdown mode".
Economic Impact:
- Estimated Losses: The Congressional Budget Office estimates the shutdown will cost the US economy between $7 billion and $14 billion in the first month alone, with potential long-term economic repercussions.
- Uncertainty: The lack of data collection during the shutdown makes it challenging to fully assess the economic impact, including on jobs, unemployment, and retail.
Other Services:
- IRS Operations: While tax law remains in effect, IRS operations are limited, and workers are adapting to new circumstances.
- National Cemeteries: Burial services continue, but maintenance and headstone placement are being delayed.
- National Parks: Many parks remain open but are understaffed, relying on volunteers to assist visitors.
- Blue States Cuts: Trump administration officials targeted blue states by canceling infrastructure projects, impacting communities in California and New York.
The shutdown's duration and impact on essential services and the economy are causing widespread concern. As negotiations remain stalled, the consequences for American citizens and the nation's stability continue to unfold.
