How the federal government shutdown is impacting Virginians

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – The federal government’s shutdown is continuing into its twenty-first day, and it is unclear how long the situation will persist. Here’s how the shutdown is impacting Virginians. 

About 350,000 federal workers live in the Commonwealth, and many of them will not be paid until the shutdown resolves. 

• These workers perform a wide range of jobs and include “emergency employees” – essential workers who must report for work even in emergency situations like severe weather or power failures, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. 

In addition to the impacts on government employees and military personnel, other elements of daily life pertaining to all Virginians may be affected.

• Flights: While TSA staff and air traffic controllers are still expected to report to work, flights will be delayed if workers call out while not being paid.
• Parks: Most National Parks will continue to be open but currently have limited or no staff.
• Passports: Those applying for passport renewal may encounter delays.
• Veteran services: While Veterans Affairs benefits will continue to be distributed, some VA services will be impacted, such as transition programs, career assistance, veterans outreach initiatives and grounds maintenance at VA cemeteries. VA benefits regional offices will also be closed, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Some services will not be impacted by the shutdown, including:

• Mail: While the United States Postal Service is federally-run, it does not rely on taxpayer funding and will continue to operate as usual.
• Benefits: Social Security, Medicare and VA benefits are expected to continue as normal.
• SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were expected to continue as normal if the shutdown resolved somewhat promptly, however, a message posted prominently on the USDA website on Oct. 27 states that “The well has run dry,” and “there will be no benefits issued November 01.”