The shutdown has put our military and other national security efforts at risk. The lack of resources and personnel needed to carry out their missions may allow adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities in our borders, critical infrastructure, and cyber networks. This could open the door for smuggling operations, terrorist attacks, and other illicit activities.
During a government shutdown, most federal departments and agencies are required to shut down unless Congress passes appropriations legislation. However, under a decades-old ruling, functions related to “the safety of human life or the protection of property” may continue. Departments and agencies develop their own plans for these “excepted activities” based on guidance from the Office of Management and Budget.
While some government functions would cease during a shutdown, other services like Social Security and Medicare checks, work-related visa processing, disability determinations, and customer service for student loan borrowers might slow or halt. Some federal services are fully user-fee funded and would remain open. For example, the FDA halted food inspections during the 2013 shutdown but resumed them after a few weeks because of the potential health risks.
The shutdown is causing financial hardship for thousands of federal workers. Families are having to make tough choices, including delaying bills, going without meals, or dipping into savings. The continued lapse in pay is hurting our reputation both at home and abroad. It undermines the strength of our democracy and demonstrates that America is not a reliable partner to allies and enemies alike.