US Government Shutdown 2023: Impact, Essential Services, and What Americans Need to Know

Washington is once again facing the prospect of a government shutdown, with the typical last-minute compromise looking increasingly unlikely this time around.

Republicans have prepared a short-term funding measure extending through November 21, but Democrats are standing firm on their healthcare demands. They're seeking to reverse Medicaid cuts from President Trump's recent legislation and extend tax credits that make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans using ACA marketplaces.

With Republicans dismissing these requests and the House not even scheduled to convene before funding lapses, the situation appears grim.

When funding expires, federal law requires agencies to cease operations and furlough "non-excepted" employees. Those deemed essential for protecting life and property continue working without pay until the shutdown ends. During Trump's previous 35-day shutdown, approximately 340,000 of 800,000 affected federal employees were furloughed, while the remaining "excepted" workers continued their duties.

Despite a shutdown, many critical services remain operational. FBI investigators, CIA officers, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents continue working. Military personnel remain on duty.

Programs funded through mandatory spending generally continue uninterrupted. Social Security payments proceed as scheduled. Medicare beneficiaries can still see their doctors, and healthcare providers can submit claims for reimbursement. Veterans' healthcare services and benefits processing also continue, including burials at VA national cemeteries.

Federal workers will eventually receive back pay, but only after the shutdown concludes. While Congress historically provided compensation for furloughed employees, this became law in 2019, guaranteeing retroactive pay once operations resume. However, depending on the shutdown's duration, workers may miss one or more regular paychecks, creating financial hardship for many families. Service members will likewise receive back pay for missed paychecks once funding resumes.

Mail delivery continues unaffected, as the US Postal Service operates as an independent entity funded through its own products and services rather than tax dollars.

Administrations have flexibility in determining which services to maintain during a shutdown. The first Trump administration took steps to minimize public impact during the 2018-2019 shutdown, though experts noted questionable legal maneuvers to mitigate disruptions.

Federal agencies develop individual shutdown plans outlining which employees continue working and which face furlough. These plans traditionally appear on the Office of Management and Budget's website, though they haven't been posted yet for the current situation.

In an unprecedented move, the White House's Office of Management and Budget has threatened mass firings of federal workers if a shutdown occurs. Their memo indicates programs not funded through Trump's recent legislation would face the greatest impact, suggesting reduction-in-force notices for positions in unfunded programs "not consistent with the President's priorities."

This represents a dramatic departure from previous shutdowns, when furloughed employees simply returned to work once funding was restored. A reduction-in-force would permanently eliminate positions, creating additional upheaval for a federal workforce already facing significant cuts this year.

Previous shutdown plans from the Biden administration provide insight into potential impacts:

Education Department funding delays beyond one week would "severely curtail cash flow to school districts, colleges and universities, vocational rehabilitation agencies" and others dependent on discretionary funds.

The National Park Service would lock facilities normally closed during non-business hours. While some accessible areas might remain open, staffing would vary significantly by location.

The Transportation Department would halt air traffic controller hiring, field training, routine security background checks, and performance analysis.

The Smithsonian Institution, including the National Zoo, would close to the public.

The FDA's animal health protections would be limited to imminent threats to human life. Food safety efforts would be reduced to emergency responses only, with longer-term initiatives to prevent foodborne illnesses and diet-related diseases suspended.