Shuler release on possible government shutdown

If Congress fails to pass a Continuing Resolution prior to midnight April 8, 2011, appropriations will lapse and the federal government will shutdown.

The possibility of a governmental shutdown has left millions of Americans with questions about what a government shutdown means and how it will affect them.

The District and Washington, DC offices of Rep. Shuler will remain open and staffed to assist constituents with any questions they have regarding the shutdown or and to resolve any problems that arise due to the shutdown to the best of our ability.

While there are still many questions regarding how each federal agency and department will operate during a shutdown, we can provide the following information.

Why Would the Federal Government Shutdown:

If a funding bill is not signed into law by midnight, April 8, there will be a “lapse in appropriation,” which means there are no appropriated funds to pay for an agency or program.

What Federal Services will be Affected:

During a shutdown of the federal government all functions not essential to the protection of the safety of human life and property – like the military, the FBI, and air traffic controllers – are required to cease operations or limit them to a minimum operational level.

How May a Shutdown Affect You:

While federal agencies are required by law to have “draft” shutdown plans in place, these plans have not yet been made public. However, with guidance from the Congressional Research Service and experiences from previous shutdowns, we can provide the following information:

Social Security: Social Security does not rely upon annual appropriations for funding, so Social Security payments will NOT be affected by a shutdown. However, the processing of new claims will likely be delayed.

IRS: Tax forms must still be postmarked by Monday, April 18th. Refunds may be delayed.

Medicare: Medicare benefits will NOT be affected during a shutdown, so those currently participating in the program should not see a change in services. The processing of new claims will likely be delayed.

VA Services: VA Hospitals and Clinics will remain open and disability payments will still be paid. The processing of new claims will likely be delayed.

National Parks: The National Park Service will be affected by a shutdown. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway may be impacted. Those with trips to Washington, DC planned should expect museums and monuments to be closed.

Passports and Visas: It is likely that requests for passports and visas will NOT be processed during a shutdown of the federal government. U.S. Embassies abroad will remain open to serve American citizens.