The possibility of a US government shutdown looms if Congress fails to pass a temporary funding bill today (March 11).
As tensions from the trade war between the US and Canada grow, Americans face another potential hurdle.
President Donald Trump mentioned that the shutdown ‘probably won’t’ happen, but it hinges on the outcome of a vote later today on a ‘continuing resolution’ (CR) bill.
Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, introduced a short-term spending bill in Congress in December to maintain government funding.
This CR bill, proposed by Johnson, ensures funding until Friday (March 14). Without a new bill before this date, a shutdown could occur, affecting federal employees and others.
The previous shutdown, which lasted a record 35 days, occurred under Trump’s administration over his $5.7 billion demand for the US-Mexico border wall.
On March 8, Republicans, who lead the House, proposed a CR bill to address the looming shutdown. This bill would fund the government through the end of fiscal year 2025, concluding on September 30.
A vote is necessary for the CR to pass, and it is scheduled for today.
If no agreement is reached by midnight, the US will face its first shutdown in six years.
The 35-day shutdown significantly impacted the US economy, costing an estimated $11 billion according to The Congressional Budget Office.
Approximately 380,000 federal workers were furloughed, while another 420,000 had to work without knowing when they’d be paid.
The IRS experienced delays in processing $140 billion in tax refunds, and FBI investigations faced major disruptions.
Airports were forced to close due to shortages of Transportation Security Administration staff.
A shutdown this week would have widespread consequences similar to those in 2019.
Essential services such as in-hospital medical care, law enforcement, border protection, and air-traffic control would continue to function.
However, other services might see reductions or closures, including student loans, food assistance, federally-funded preschools, and national parks.
According to the BBC, benefit verifications and card issuance could halt, though Social Security and Medicare cheques would still be distributed.
‘Essential’ federal workers would remain on duty, possibly without pay, while non-essential workers might be placed on unpaid leave temporarily.
The longer the shutdown persists, the more severe the consequences, as Transport Security Administration spokesman Carter Langston noted: “An extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.”