SOURCE: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=84809
Government Shutdown: 12 Things That Would & Wouldnt Happen
Heres what would and wouldnt be affected if Congress cant come to an agreement by the deadline:
What would be shut down or curtailed
Veterans services
During the last government shutdown 15 years ago, many veterans services were cut back, from health and welfare to finance and travel.
Parks and museums
National parks and museums would shut down and lose revenue from patrons.
In the last shutdowns in late 1995 and early 1996, the government closed 368 National Park Service sites, along with national museums and monuments.
Passports
Those seeking passports or other documents would not be able to do so.
During the last shutdown, 200,000 passport applications went unprocessed. In addition, the tourism industry and airlines reportedly suffered millions of dollars in losses.
Social Security
During the last shutdown, the Social Security Administration kept enough staff in place to ensure benefits were paid out, but new claims werent processed. As the shutdown wore on, the agency recalled workers to start processing new claims.
Government employees
A shutdown would result in the furlough of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. While on furlough, federal employees wont receive a paycheck, and neither will government contractors. Federal employees will eventually receive back-pay, but contractors wont be so lucky.
States
Federal funds to states would be cut off, leaving states already in a cash crunch to somehow fill the gap.
Law enforcement and legal services
During the last shutdown, delays occurred in the processing of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and explosives applications by the ATF. Federal agencies suspended work on more than 3,500 bankruptcy cases and canceled recruitment and testing of federal law enforcement officials.
What would be kept running
National security
President Obama has the discretion to keep certain government functions operating, especially when they are essential to keeping the nation safe, including the military, coast guard, foreign relations staff, border patrol and other national security officials.
The U.S. Postal Service wouldnt be affected and mail would still be delivered.
Transportation
Air traffic controllers would remain on the job.
Prisons
There would be no change to federal prison staff.
Disaster/Emergency services
Emergency and disaster assistance personnel would also be at work.