The federal government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to approve a funding bill, forcing agencies to halt operation and leaving hundreds of thousands of employees facing furloughs or delayed pay.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates up to 750,000 workers could be affected. The FAA expects to sideline more than 11,000 workers, while air traffic controllers and other essential staff will work without pay.
This shutdown differs from past ones. The White House has instructed agencies to prepare for permanent staff cuts, not just temporary furloughs. Labor unions filed lawsuits to challenge the move in the courts.
At the National Mall, ordinary Americans shared their reactions. Thomas Pratt, a federal employee, said the effects will be felt far beyond government offices.
“It’s going to affect everyone as a federal worker,” Pratt said. “It’s going to affect the city. It’s going to affect the marketplace. It’s going to affect the financial people. It’s going to affect everyone.”
He worries most about contractors, who may never see back pay.
“There are people who will not work at all and will get no pay, and that’s the issue,” said Pratt.
Essential services such as social security, border security and the military will continue, but many programs, from education grants to routine safety inspections will halt until an agreement is reached.
Lawmakers are set to meet later today, but with no deal in sight, the duration and depth of this shutdown remain unclear.
