A government shutdown occurs when Congress has not enacted appropriations legislation, or approved a continuing resolution (CR), to fund federal agencies and programs through the end of the fiscal year. Without a CR, many non-essential agency activities cease and employees are furloughed. However, some essential services continue to operate. These include Social Security payments, Medicare card issuance and verification, and some food safety inspections.
In the past, when funding has lapsed, government workers have faced uncertainty about their ability to pay bills and maintain critical services. For example, in the 2018 shutdown, air travel was disrupted because TSA and DOT employees were not getting paid. In the midst of that chaos, we heard from members and their staff who were struggling to make ends meet and stay afloat in an already challenging economy.
The good news is that there are a few centrist Democrats who may be able to stomach a short-term funding extension without their outrageous demands attached. We hope they will join Republicans and responsible leaders to pass a bill that will keep the government open.
As the longest shutdown in modern history continues, we call on members to focus on their constituents’ needs and priorities. It is unacceptable that families are having to go without basic services they rely on for their daily lives and livelihoods. The public deserves a government that prioritizes their stability and security. It is time to break the political gridlock and get back to work.