If Congress does not pass a spending bill by the end of the day Friday, the government could shut down, and services many Americans rely on could be impacted.
Travel
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The weekend before Christmas is expected to be one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. However, a government shutdown could result in longer lines and delays at our nation’s airports.
Transportation Security Administrator David Pekoske posted on X, formerly Twitter, that about 59,000 of the agency’s more than 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay if a shutdown occurs.
He wrote that TSA expects to screen 40 million passengers during the Christmas holidays.
“While our personnel are prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, please be aware that an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” Pekoske wrote.
Social Security & Medicare/Medicaid
Social Security recipients will continue to receive their Social Security checks. Those payments are not subject to appropriations since the payments are mandatory.
Military
Active-duty military personnel will continue to work and carry out their missions. However, Pentagon Press Secretary Major Pat Ryder said military members would not be paid until Congress approves the new funds.
“Federal civilians that are required to work during a shutdown will not be paid,” Ryder said during a briefing on Thursday. “Civilian employees whose work is paid for from lapsed appropriations will be furloughed for the duration of the lapse.”
Base Exchange Services
According to the Army & Air Force Exchange Services, its stores will remain open.
The Exchange said it is funded primarily through the sales of goods and services at its stores and does not receive appropriated funds from the Department of Defense.
Visiting the Missions
The San Antonio Missions are run by the National Park Service, which a government shutdown would impact.
The National Park Service said visitor service would be allowed to continue through Sunday. It is evaluating options on what would happen after that.
If Congress does not pass a bill, the government will shutdown at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Saturday, December 21.
Federal food assistance
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas WIC will continue serving families through January if a federal government shutdown happens.
“The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is closely monitoring the potential shutdown,” a spokesperson told KSAT. “In the event of a federal government shutdown, Texas WIC can continue to serve mothers and young children through January. SNAP has sufficient funding through January as well.”