President Trump has warned that a government shutdown could happen if the House fails to pass a six-month stopgap funding bill before the deadline on Friday, March 14. Republicans are confident that a proposal to extend current funding through the end of the fiscal year on September 30 is achievable, but nothing is certain until legislation is officially approved.
If a shutdown occurs, a majority of federal workers would be forced to stop working and go without pay, and services deemed nonessential, such as food inspections and federal health services, would be paused. Essential workers in critical operations like defense, energy, and agriculture would continue to work without pay, but all federal workers would be reimbursed for retroactive wages later.
During a shutdown, federal employees who are furloughed are temporarily ordered not to work and do not receive any pay. However, under legislation passed in January 2019, furloughed employees are guaranteed back pay. Law enforcement agencies, transportation services, the U.S. Postal Service, the military, and NASA would continue operations during a shutdown, while national parks would be closed to the public.
Members of Congress would continue to receive paychecks during a shutdown, but some of their nonessential staff may be furloughed. Federal workers and contractors who are furloughed could be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet certain criteria. Ultimately, the potential government shutdown looms as a deadline approaches for Congress to pass a funding bill to avert the stoppage of federal services.
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