US government shutdown threatens jobs, travel, national parks, and public services

NN ONLINE:

The US federal government has shut down after lawmakers from both parties failed to reach a budget agreement, threatening widespread disruptions across the country. The impasse affects federal funding through October and could place about 40% of the workforce — roughly 800,000 employees — on unpaid leave.

Air travel disruption
Travelers may face long security lines and flight delays as some unpaid air traffic controllers may choose to stay home, although essential staff at airports, including TSA agents, are required to work. Passport processing could also slow down, affecting Americans planning to travel abroad.

Federal employees and contractors
Non-essential federal workers will be furloughed, while essential employees will work without pay until the shutdown ends. Agencies like the CDC and NIH may halt ongoing research due to staff shortages. Contractors, who are not government employees, typically receive no backpay during shutdowns.

National parks and federal lands
National Parks and forests may close to visitors during the shutdown, as rangers and other staff are furloughed. Leaving parks open without staff, as happened in past shutdowns, has led to vandalism and littering. Former park officials have urged the government to fully close parks in such situations.

Museums and zoos
Washington’s Smithsonian museums will remain open until at least Oct 6 using prior funding, and animals at the National Zoo will continue to be cared for. However, non-essential services, like zoo webcams, will be suspended.

Health and food programs
Programs such as Medicare and Medicaid will continue, though staffing shortages could disrupt some services. Disaster relief is mostly unaffected initially, but extended shutdowns may strain FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund. Food assistance programs like WIC are at risk of running out of funds quickly, while SNAP could continue longer but remains vulnerable.

The shutdown underscores the potential impact of political deadlock on everyday life, affecting jobs, travel, health care, and access to public lands.