If Congress does not resolve the impasse by Sept. 30, federal appropriations will expire, bringing many agencies to a halt and forcing the sprawling U.S. government to operate at a mere shell of itself.
Here are the most immediate effects of a federal government shut down — which may happen in only 8 days:
- Millions of federal employees will stop receiving paychecks — but many will be forced to report to work anyway.
- Millions of active military service members will stop receiving paychecks — but many will be forced to report to work anyway.
- Some national parks may close, museums could shutter
- airports nationwide might see new disruptions and delays.
- Federal aid programs including those assisting the victims of the deadly wildfires in Maui — could struggle to provide urgently needed support.
- mail deliveries would continue and
- seniors would still receive their Social Security checks,