This post was originally published on this site.
A federal government shutdown took effect just after midnight Tuesday after last-ditch efforts in the Senate to pass a funding bill failed.
The measure fell short of the 60 votes needed, with a final tally of 55 to 45. It marks the first government shutdown since late 2018, which extended into 2019. Both parties blamed each other after proposals to keep agencies open were rejected.
RELATED: Government shutdown begins: Live updates as shutdown takes effect
The shutdown leaves thousands of Georgia families and workers in uncertainty. According to the Congressional Research Service, the state has about 81,000 civilian federal employees and more than 65,000 active-duty military personnel. While military, federal law enforcement, and air traffic controllers remain on duty without pay, as many as 60% of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees in Atlanta could be furloughed.
- Shutdown in effect: A federal government shutdown began just after midnight when the Senate failed to pass a funding bill. The final vote was 55–45, short of the 60 votes needed.
- Georgia impact: The state has about 81,000 federal civilian employees and more than 65,000 active-duty military members. Military, TSA officers, and law enforcement remain on duty without pay, but many CDC staff could be furloughed.
- Benefits safe for now: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ disability checks, and SNAP are still funded in the short term. Programs like WIC may lose funding if the shutdown drags on.
- Universities affected: Emory and Georgia Tech warn a prolonged shutdown could disrupt federal research grants, student aid in future semesters, and healthcare funding.
- National parks: Parks in Georgia will largely remain open, but facilities and staffing will vary.
Most federal benefits, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ disability payments and SNAP, will continue for the near future. However, some programs, such as WIC, which supports more than 220,000 Georgians, could face funding shortfalls if the shutdown lasts for weeks.
RELATED: Government Shutdown 2025: Dems vote down Republican funding bill
Universities also warned of potential consequences. Emory University said a short-term closure would have little immediate effect, but a prolonged shutdown could disrupt research and healthcare funding. Georgia Tech officials said the school is positioned to manage in the short term, though extended funding gaps could force cost-cutting measures.
National parks across Georgia are expected to remain open, though services and staffing may vary. At airports, TSA officers will continue to work, but some could call out as happened during the last shutdown, raising the possibility of delays.
The length and broader impact of the shutdown remain uncertain as negotiations continue in Washington.
- Length of the shutdown: Negotiations are still ongoing, but there’s no clear timeline for reopening the government.
- Program funding limits: It’s unclear exactly how long assistance programs like WIC can operate before funds run out.
- Air travel delays: TSA agents are expected to stay on the job, but staffing shortages could arise if workers call out, as they did during the 2018–19 shutdown.
- Broader economic impact: Universities, contractors, and federal offices are preparing contingency plans, but the financial effects depend on how long the shutdown lasts.
Georgia lawmakers issue statements
Lawmakers from both parties in Georgia issued statements on the situation. Rep. Buddy Carter said he would forgo his pay until an agreement is reached, while Sen. Jon Ossoff warned that without action, millions of Americans could see significant health insurance premium increases.
The History of Shutdowns
A government shutdown happens when Congress and the president can’t agree on a budget (or a temporary funding bill) to keep the government running. Without that funding, many federal agencies and programs don’t have the money they need to operate normally.
What Stays Open
- Essential services keep running. This includes the military, air traffic control, border security, and mail delivery (since the Postal Service runs on its own revenue).
- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid payments continue, though some customer service may slow down.
What Closes or Slows Down
- Many federal workers are furloughed (sent home without pay until funding is restored).
- National parks and museums around the country may close or reduce services.
- Passport and visa processing may slow down.
- Regulatory agencies (like the EPA or SEC) scale back operations.
The Impact
- Federal workers miss paychecks (though they usually get back pay once the shutdown ends).
- Some government services for the public are delayed or unavailable.
- The economy can take a hit if the shutdown lasts a long time.
Number and Length of Shutdowns
Since 1976, when the modern budget process was created, there have been more than 20 government shutdowns of varying lengths.
Shutdowns can last anywhere from a few hours to over a month. The most common outcome is somewhere in between — a few days to a couple of weeks — before lawmakers reach a deal.
The Longest Shutdowns
- 35 days (Dec. 22, 2018 – Jan. 25, 2019): The longest shutdown in history, lasting more than a month. It happened during the Trump administration over border wall funding.
- 21 days (Dec. 16, 1995 – Jan. 6, 1996): The second longest, under President Bill Clinton, over budget disputes with House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Medium-Length Shutdowns
- Several shutdowns in the 1980s and 1990s lasted between 3 and 18 days, usually over budget disagreements on spending priorities.
Shorter Shutdowns
- Many shutdowns lasted just a day or two (sometimes only overnight). These were often due to Congress missing deadlines but quickly passing temporary funding (called “continuing resolutions”).
For example, in 2013, a shutdown over the Affordable Care Act lasted 16 days.
In Total
- Since 1976, when the modern budget process was created, there have been more than 20 government shutdowns of varying lengths.
