A partial US government shutdown is underway, albeit one that may be relatively brief compared to the record closure in the fall of last year. While some federal agencies and programs will remain operational through September thanks to funding already passed by Congress, others will be forced to close or severely limit their services.
The Pentagon and several other key departments like Homeland Security and Transportation are currently without funding, which could lead to disruptions in essential functions such as air traffic control. Air traffic controllers would still report for duty but would work without pay until a new bill is passed. Experts warn that this could put additional pressure on disaster response funds, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), particularly if the agency must respond to new disasters.
In contrast to previous brief shutdowns, which typically had little noticeable impact, the current impasse has more at stake due to the ongoing winter storm affecting large parts of the country. FEMA would have around $7 billion in disaster response and recovery funds, but an extended shutdown could strain these resources further.
The House will try to pass a funding bill when lawmakers return on Monday, which should end the partial shutdown. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether Congress can reach a deal before then, putting more workers at risk without pay.
The Pentagon and several other key departments like Homeland Security and Transportation are currently without funding, which could lead to disruptions in essential functions such as air traffic control. Air traffic controllers would still report for duty but would work without pay until a new bill is passed. Experts warn that this could put additional pressure on disaster response funds, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), particularly if the agency must respond to new disasters.
In contrast to previous brief shutdowns, which typically had little noticeable impact, the current impasse has more at stake due to the ongoing winter storm affecting large parts of the country. FEMA would have around $7 billion in disaster response and recovery funds, but an extended shutdown could strain these resources further.
The House will try to pass a funding bill when lawmakers return on Monday, which should end the partial shutdown. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether Congress can reach a deal before then, putting more workers at risk without pay.
, this shutdown thingy is stressing me out 
. I get that politicians have their differences, but come on, let's not put air traffic controllers and disaster responders in a tough spot 
. It's already bad enough with the winter storm going on, and now we're worried about FEMA being stretched thin? 
That's just not right 
. These guys have been playing politics for ages, so you never know what's gonna happen 
. One thing's for sure though - these workers who are going without pay deserve some serious support 
, and we should all be keeping a close eye on this situation 
.
I think we're all just worried about this whole situation... The whole thing with the government shutdown is like, super stressful for people who work in those departments that are not funded 
. Let's all hope they can reach an agreement soon so no one has to suffer because of this 
. also, have u seen those videos of ppl living in tents during disasters? it's crazy how much we need gov support sometimes 
... I don't think it's fair that some ppl are gonna work for free while others have to face uncertain futures 
. And who knows if Congress can even agree on a deal before Monday? 
... It's not just about the money, it's also about the impact on ppl's lives 
.
lol what was the point of passing funding already if theyre just gonna let it lapse 2 begin w/? its not like air traffic controllers arent gettin paid but its still a bummer cuz theres ppl who actually need them 4 help. winter storm is crazy rn btw. 
Some people are gonna be out of work for weeks and that's just not cool. I'm low-key worried about the whole air traffic control situation, too... what if there's a major emergency or something? 
Let's hope Congress comes together and passes that bill by Monday, or else it's gonna be a long, stressful few weeks 
. At the same time, I get why Congress is being extra cautious with the budget 
. The winter storm and all those funds for FEMA are a big deal 
. Fingers crossed they can wrap it up by Monday 
. I mean, can you imagine if that happened during a real emergency or disaster? The potential consequences would be catastrophic 
. Fingers crossed! 
. A partial government shutdown is always a bit of a mess, but with all that's happening already (winter storm and whatnot) I think it's a bit precarious. If the House can't get a deal done by Monday, you gotta wonder if anyone's gonna go unpaid 
. It's like they're right in the middle of a crisis mode, while also dealing with internal budget issues 
like they do every 2 yrs anyway i guess it's kinda ironic that air traffic control would have to shut down but still get the job done...anyway idk how ppl can afford not getting paid rn thats the real problem 
.
. Those air traffic controllers are still reportin' to work, but without pay? That's just plain unacceptable 
. And what about those $7 billion in disaster funds for FEMA? You gotta wonder if they'll be able to handle any new emergencies that come up 
... it's like they're playing politics with people's lives. air traffic control is a big deal and if it gets messed up because of this shutdown, it could be super bad. i just hope congress can get their act together and pass that funding bill by monday 
.