Policymakers have until midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to avoid a lapse in government funding. If President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on a government funding bill by the deadline of Wednesday, Oct. 1, the government will partially shut down.
Here’s what to know about how the USPS is (or isn’t) affected by shutdowns, as well as a list of services that will and won’t be impacted if the government shuts down this week.
Is the USPS affected by a government shutdown?
Mail carriers deliver post in snow, rain, extreme heat … and government shutdowns.
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The U.S. Postal Service would not be affected because it does not depend on Congressional funding.
What agencies are affected by a government shutdown? See list of services
Here are a few government-funded services and efforts, and whether they would shut down or not:
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Not Social Security and Medicare: Social Security benefits continue without interruption; Medicare benefits may experience delays due to the shutdown.
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Environmental and Food Inspection: Inspections would be halted. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, the FDA reinstated some food inspections a few weeks into the funding lapse for high-risk products.
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Not Veterans Benefits: Veterans continue to receive benefits and medical care without disruption.
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS): In the event of a shutdown, the IRS, which verifies income and Social Security numbers, would not be able to perform this service.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Though funding for the SNAP program is mandatory, the ability to send out “food stamp” benefits could be affected by a shutdown.
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Not Military: Active-duty military personnel stay on the job, though about half of Pentagon civilian employees may face furloughs.
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Health and Human Services: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) would be prevented from admitting new patients or processing grant applications.
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Not National Nuclear Security Administration: The agency remains operational.
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Not Law Enforcement: Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and prison staff, remain operational; the Secret Service and Coast Guard continue their duties.
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National Parks: National parks and monuments are closed; rangers are furloughed, and facilities are shut down, although some states may temporarily fund operations.
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Not Borders and Homeland Security: Border Patrol and immigration enforcement agents remain on duty; local governments will not receive new aid for migrant shelters.
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Transportation: Airport security screeners and air traffic controllers stay on duty; new hires and significant infrastructure projects may face delays; absenteeism may impact airport operations.
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Not Congressional Pay: Lawmakers continue receiving pay; staffers are furloughed, but essential personnel continue to work.
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White House: Most of the White House staff is furloughed; however, essential offices, such as the National Security Council, continue to operate; the president’s salary remains unaffected.
Contributing: C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: What government agencies are affected by a shutdown?
