What you need to know about the battle for control of Congress
After months of primaries, the general election map is set. Now we are in the home stretch of the battle for control of Congress.
Less than two weeks before a partial government shutdown, the House of Representatives is expected to vote today on a bill that combines a mandatory spending law with stricter voting rules and will have little to no chance of success in the Democratic-majority Senate.
Congress must pass appropriate spending legislation before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1 to avoid furloughing thousands of federal workers and cutting government services just weeks before the November 5 election.
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky doesn’t want a political fight, saying his party would likely be blamed if Congress allowed a government shutdown just before the election.
“I am in favor of anything that prevents a government shutdown,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
What happens to federal employees during a government shutdown?
Federal agencies classify their employees as “essential” or “nonessential.” Essential employees continue to work but may not be paid immediately. Nonessential employees are furloughed, meaning they cannot work or get paid until the government reopens, according to a breakdown compiled by Reuters.
During the longest shutdown in U.S. history in 2018-2019, 800,000 federal employees went without pay for 35 days.
What happens to Social Security and Medicare?
Social Security retirement and disability benefits will continue without interruption. Medicare and Medicaid benefits will also continue, but there may be delays.
More: Can a government shutdown be avoided? Congress must first overcome this controversial hurdle.
What about veterans benefits and food assistance?
Veterans will continue to receive their benefits and medical care. Food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will also continue, but there may be minor disruptions.
What about the military?
The two million active-duty US soldiers will remain on duty. However, about half of the Pentagon’s 800,000 civilian employees will be furloughed. The National Nuclear Security Agency will continue to be responsible for monitoring nuclear weapons.
Law enforcement
Federal agencies, including the FBI, DEA and prison personnel, remain deployed. The Secret Service and Coast Guard continue to perform their duties.
National Parks
National parks, monuments and other sites will be closed to the public, rangers will be furloughed and facilities will close. Some states may temporarily fund park operations, as they did during the 2018-2019 closure.
More: Other polls show Harris ahead of Trump, but Nate Silver sees a split in the vote
Borders and homeland security
Border patrol and immigration officials will continue their work. However, local governments will not receive any new aid for migrant accommodation.
transport
Security officers and air traffic controllers will remain on duty, but new hires and some major infrastructure projects may be delayed. As with previous closures, there may be absences that could impact airport operations.
Congress fees
During the closure, MPs will continue to receive their salaries while their staff will be furloughed, but essential staff will continue to work.
Impact on the White House
During previous shutdowns, the White House has furloughed a significant portion of its staff. Important offices such as the National Security Council will continue to operate, while others will have to reduce their capacity. The president’s salary will remain unaffected by a shutdown.
Reuters contributed to reporting on this article.
Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporter for the USA TODAY Network in Hawaii. Reach him at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow
