Congress is currently trying to agree on a funding bill for federal government programs and services this year. If they cannot do this by 11:59:59 tonight, then the government will experience a partial “shut down” meaning only essential services like Social Security checks being issued and public safety operations will continue.
During a government shutdown, Medicare will not accept new applicants. This could adversely affect the welfare of millions of Americans since these people potentially won’t have access to healthcare until a bill is passed. As for federal employees who will be affected by the shut down, many will be furloughed which means that they won’t receive any pay checks and are not allowed to work.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Food and Drug Administration will not conduct inspections and the Department of Health and Human Services will stop allocating welfare assistance during this time. A government shutdown could affect when we can file those tax returns too!
According to Business Insider, the IRS won’t be able to verify income or social security numbers which means this entire process will be delayed.
Unfortunately there isn’t much we can do except put pressure on the government to pass something before we’re all screwed up!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on IG
Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/what-happens-in-government-shutdown-2018-1
