This article, originally published Jan. 22, 2018, has been updated with current information
A partial government shutdown could go into effect at midnight on Dec. 21, forcing thousands of federal workers to be placed on unpaid leave until a funding deal is brokered.
The shutdown would affect specific government departments, including the Department of Homeland Security, which provides border security, as well as the “departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Interior, State, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development,” according to Fox Business.
Funding for the Department of Defense was passed earlier in the year, eliminating the concern of military troops serving without pay, aside from the Coast Guard, which is funded through DHS.
So what is the issue at hand? President Trump is seeking funding for the border wall, a campaign promise he made to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent people from illegally crossing into the country, despite congressional leaders telling the president the votes were not there in the Senate.
It’s unclear how long a shutdown could last. Both Republicans and Democrats are refusing to give in either way.
The question, however, remains: how does a partial government shutdown affect public safety personnel and first responders?
First responder and public safety personnel affected
In 2013, a government shutdown occurred from Oct. 1-16 during the Obama administration over the inability to agree on Obamacare.
During that time, the shutdown closed the National Emergency Training Center, forcing the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to move events scheduled for its annual Memorial Weekend.
Mark Bray, a firefighter-paramedic at Montrose (Colo.) Fire Department, posted a question on Facebook during the 2013 shutdown about the National Fire Academy.
“Anybody know if the National Fire Academy was affected by the government shutdown?” Bray asked his Facebook followers.
Facebook follower Stephen Hrustich responded, saying the “gate is locked. You will not be picked up. Off-campus classes are still being offered although with no support from the NFA.”
In dismay, Bray replied, “They close up shop at the NFA and don’t call or email students and tell them not to come or buy airfare. They force park rangers to clear the pond at Lake Powell and don’t pay them.”
Similarly, the FBI National Academy canceled classes for the first time in its history during the 2013 shutdown. During the shutdown, Capt. Matt Canfield was into his first week of specialized training in Quantico, Virginia. According to the Laconia Daily Sun, Capt. Canfield was told that “his instructors were not considered ‘essential personnel’ and the training would be stopped.”
During the shutdown, all federal employees who are believed to be “nonessential” are furloughed without pay.
Essential, nonessential federal employees
Essential personnel, according to NBC News, include:
- Active duty military and civilian personnel
- FBI agents
- Doctors and nurses working in federal hospitals
- Air traffic controllers
- TSA officers
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents
- Coast Guard personnel
- Meat and poultry inspectors
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention members
- IRS personnel
- National park rangers
- DEA personnel
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms field offices
Most federal agencies, however, do close during a shutdown, including the Department of Education and the IRS. Nearly 90 percent of Department of Homeland Security personnel, who are considered “essential,” continue working, according to the DHS. Most Department of Justice employees also continue working during a shutdown.
Some Health and Human Services employees are furloughed during a shutdown as well as National Treasury Employees Union employees.
During the last shutdown, the National Park Service closed national parks and the national monuments in Washington, D.C. U.S. Forest Service employees were also deemed “nonessential.” However, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill in February 2018, ensuring the Grand Canyon would remain open and free of charge to visitors, even during government shutdowns, according to azcentral.com.
Congress, on the other hand, continues to operate during a shutdown and members of Congress also continue to be paid. Federal prisons also still operate during a shutdown.
And even though some workers are deemed “essential,” it doesn’t mean that they all still get paid during a shutdown; they can have their pay withheld and still have to continue working.
The effects of a government shutdown
The longer a shutdown occurs, the more serious it becomes.
As a result, a government shutdown affects many different departments, agencies, personnel and everyday American citizens.
It causes havoc for departments and agencies that some may argue should always be considered “essential.” It also creates low morale for those who are still required to work, despite being unpaid, due to the lack of backing and support of a full staff.
According to Democrats, they are willing to pass a continuing resolution that would fund the government until after the holidays, but would not include funding for a border wall. The president and congressional Republicans say they are not willing to kick the can down the road. The impasse could mean a lengthy shutdown before an agreement is reached.
Until then, it’s all a waiting game.
