When Congress cannot reach a consensus on budget before federal funds expire, the government Enter shutdown modestopping all actions is considered non-essential and for thousands of federal workers.
You may have noticed that several key aspects of U.S. travel are supervised by the federal government, including airport security, passports, and national parks.
So, how will travelers be affected when Congress cannot act together?
What does the federal government shut down air travel mean
If the government closes, Traffic Safety Administration officials will continue to screen at airport checkpoints.
But these workers will not receive salaries until Congress passes the budget. If the shutdown is delayed, it will obviously put TSA workers in financial difficulties, some of whom may stop working.
That’s what happened during the expansion government shutdown that began in December 2018 and was not resolved until late January 2019. Nearly 10%safety checkpoints that lead to insufficient personnel. And you know the passenger results: longer lines and waiting time at the airport.
This is why it is crucial to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before you depart during a government shutdown and 3 hours before you leave, allowing yourself time to pass safely.
Be polite and kind to the TSA staff you meet for heaven’s sake. Remember, they work without paychecks.
By the way, the same is true for air traffic controllers according to Washington Post. Deemed essential workers, controllers must continue taking off and landing during the closure, but will not be paid in case of Congress disputes and distant people.
Increased financial difficulties in the infamous pressured work of controlling air traffic has undoubtedly not helped to alleviate Continuous shortage The worker who plays this essential role.
What does the federal government shutdown mean for national parks
Federal funding fails according to National Park Service’s contingency plannational parks, monuments and other locations operated by federal agencies will be closed during the government’s closure. (The closing sign for Florida Everglades National Park during the 2013 government shutdown was shown at the top of this page.)
In most cases, the national park ruins will be completely closed under the plan, although “area that is physically accessible from physically accessible will face a substantial reduction in visitor services”. In other words, you can still drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, but don’t expect to be able to use the public restroom along the way.
“The public will therefore be encouraged not to visit the National Park sites during the grant period,” the Park Service’s contingency plan summarizes.
In some cases, national parks may remain open during federal closures after receiving temporary funds from the state government. For example, the governor of Utah Agreed to his status National parks will be kept open until the looming shutdown in 2024.
Similar states have worked to make some national parks operate during the 2018-19 federal closure. But states cannot afford many of these websites, Newsweek Reportso the garbage piled up and the bathroom became rough. (Or more brutal than usual.)
What does the federal government shut down its passport mean?
The State Council’s consular services will continue to process passport and visa applications and renewals during the government’s closure.
There shouldn’t be a major delay, partly because The American Immigration Lawyer Association tells NPRVisa and passport operations are funded by the applicant’s fees and therefore “usually not affected by funding errors.”
Customs and border protection agents will also continue to work.
this State Council Warning Passport services may be suspended in any government building operated by temporary closure agencies.
However, if you need to mail it in your passport application, the U.S. Postal Service is still running during the federal closure. and, As of the beginning of this yearyou can renew your passport online.