The U.S. House and Senate have until March 14 to avoid a shutdown of the federal government. And at the moment, things are not looking good.
Donald Trump is pushing Republicans to approve a massive bill that would extend tax breaks from his first term (which are set to expire later this year) to the tune of $4.5 trillion and dramatically cut spending across federal programs and services (by $2.5 trillion). House Speaker Mike Johnson managed to push through Trump’s legislative agenda at the last moment last Wednesday, but that 217-215 vote (which saw a single Republican and all Democrats opposed) could prove to be the easiest part of the process.
The Senate has passed a scaled-back version of the budget bill, meaning a series of negotiations must take place to find common ground. Democrats can block the bill in the Senate with a filibuster, so they’ll be in on the negotiations. But with the clock ticking on when funds run out, Republican negotiators, divided by in-fighting, walked away from the talks this weekend.
There is, of course, the chance that lawmakers will agree to a bipartisan continuing resolution, a spending measure that will keep the government operating. That seems increasingly unlikely, however, as Washington becomes more turbulent and Elon Musk and DOGE continue to push for mass layoffs.
So what happens if the government shuts down for the first time since 2018-2019? Here’s what to expect, based on previous shutdowns—with the caveat that this administration’s first 41 days have been markedly different than under any previous president, including Trump’s first term.
Will I still get my Social Security check if the government shuts down?
Social Security checks are still delivered in the event of a shutdown. And Medicare services will stay in operation for at least a limited time. However, if you need a new card issued, you’ll have to wait until the shutdown is over and any backlog is cleared.
Are my taxes still due in a government shutdown?
While the Internal Revenue Service will be operating with a skeleton staff should the government shut down, it will continue to process tax returns, meaning you’ll have to file, no matter what.
Will I get my tax refund if the government shuts down?
In the 2018-2019 shutdown, 14,000 IRS employees opted not to show up for work without pay. Should the government shut down—and should that closure last for an extended period—that could have an impact on some refunds. The best idea is to monitor the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the IRS Website.
Will a government shutdown impact mail delivery?
The U.S. Postal Service is an independent agency. The shutdown will have no impact on it. There have been reports that Trump is considering taking control of the Postal Service, ending its independent status and making it a part of the Commerce Department. Should that happen, things become murkier, especially with the expected legal fight such a move would ignite.
Can I visit national parks during a government shutdown?
During the government shutdown in January 2018, most national parks remained open, though visitor centers and sometimes bathrooms were not available. Trash also piled up at many sites, with no one to clean it. During the 2013 shutdown, however, millions of visitors were turned away from parks, national monuments, and other sites. So, this one’s a toss-up.
How will a government shutdown affect air travel?
TSA officers and FAA air traffic controllers are deemed “essential” federal workers, so they continue to work (without pay) during a shutdown. In 2019, though, hundreds of TSA employees called out sick, which made for tremendously long lines at security stations (in some cases, as much as 90 minutes).
Can I visit the Smithsonian during a government shutdown?
While the Smithsonian has, in the past, discussed using “prior year funds” to stay open during part of a shutdown, odds are you’ll find locked doors in the event of a shutdown. Other popular attractions, including presidential libraries, will also likely be affected, as they’re overseen by the National Park Service.
While animals in the National Zoo will be cared for, visitors won’t be allowed in to see them. Other federal museums, such as the National Archives, will also be closed.
Will Veterans’ Services be impacted by a government shutdown?
All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain open and operational in the event of a shutdown. Additionally, the VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.
Other services, such as education and job training, support for veteran owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans may be unavailable.
Will DOGE use a government shutdown to terminate more federal jobs?
Elon Musk and DOGE haven’t commented publicly about any possible shutdown. But there are some fears that federal workers deemed “non-essential” in such a situation could find themselves more likely to be laid off at some point down the road.
One of the biggest sticking points in current negotiations, though, is the spending and job cuts DOGE has imposed since Trump took office. Democrats are demanding guardrails in the budget bill, which will require the executive branch to carry out spending directed by Congress.
“We are close on top-line spending. We need to know Republicans are willing to work with us to protect Congress’ power of the purse — and I welcome any and all ideas they may have on how we can work together to do just that,” Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, told reporters last week. “That is the absolute bare minimum, and it is frankly not asking a whole lot. Republicans should not be so eager to let Elon Musk cut off cancer research or clean energy jobs in their districts. They should not follow Elon towards a shutdown.”
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