“The Republican shutdown of 1995 cost taxpayers $1.5 billion. Shutting the government down is not a way to cut the deficit. A government shutdown isn’t an answer, it’s a failure—it’s irresponsible. We need to get serious about working together in Washington to get things done for the American people.”  --Ben Chandler

What Is A Government Shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress cannot agree on a budget. If a shutdown occurs, the federal government stops all “non-essential” services, while essential services, such as the armed forces, border protection, air traffic controllers, and police and fire departments will continue to operate while Congress works to fix the budget.

What Services Will Be Stopped?
Each shutdown is different. During the Republican government shutdown in 1995-1996:
•    200,000 Social Security requests were delayed
•    10,000 new Medicare applications were not processed
•    Gun purchasing applications could not be processed
•    Tax refund checks could not be processed
•    Illegal immigration deportation came to a halt, and 400 border patrol agents were not hired
•    400,000 veterans’ benefits were delayed
•    Delinquent child-support cases were suspended
•    200,000 U.S. applications for passports went unprocessed
•    $3 billion in American goods were held up by export backlogs
•    760,000 American workers went without pay while federal unemployment benefits ran out

The 1995 government shutdown cost Americans $1.5 billion dollars.


Will Congress Get Paid?
Congressman Chandler is working to prevent members of Congress from getting paid during a government shutdown.  Chandler voted in the House, cosponsored legislation, and wrote a letter to House and Senate leadership on March 30, 2011, stating that during a government shutdown, when federal government employees are being furloughed, members of Congress should not get paid.

How Much Will the Government Save During The Shutdown?
Nothing. Current estimates, which some consider low, suggest it could cost the government $100 million a day. The 1995 government shutdown cost Americans $1.5 billion dollars.

Will I Still Get My Social Security Benefits?
Current law suggests that the Social Security Administration has the authority to continue mailing checks, as was the case during the last government shutdown in 1996. Though checks will continue to be mailed, a number of Social Security employees will be furloughed, which means new Social Security claims may not be processed.

Will I Still Get My Medicare Benefits?
Medicare will function similar to Social Security benefits. Though checks will continue to be mailed, a number of Medicare employees will be furloughed, which means new claims may not be processed.

Am I Still Going to Get My Tax Refund?
Unlike the shutdowns of the 1990’s, this one is going to take place during the tax preparation and filing season, which may result in delayed tax refunds to a number of Americans.  However, taxes are still due on April 18th.

Will Military Personnel Get Paid?
All members of the federal government deemed “essential”, including military personnel, are eligible for back pay for worked performed during the shutdown. However, we have been advised that this pay is not guaranteed.

“The very last thing our men and women in uniform need to be thinking about on the battlefield is whether or not they’ll get paid.  That is why today I chose to cosponsor the Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act, providing emergency funding so members of the military and reserves receive their pay and allowances in full and on time.”  --Ben Chandler

Will Veteran Benefits Continue?
While VA hospitals will remain open, the last government shutdown saw many veterans’ benefits cut or reduced.

For more information from the VA, click here

Will Unemployment Benefits Be Affected?
Depending on the length of the shutdown, the federal funds that help states pay the costs of their unemployment programs could run out, which would require the state to step in and advance the money to keep their programs running. Otherwise, benefits would be reduced or stopped.

What Services Will Continue?
Services that are deemed “essential” will be continued. This includes the armed forces, border patrol, police, fire fighting and federal workers who provide medical care on the job. The Postal Service and the Federal Reserve, which are both self-funded, will also continue to operate.

Will National Parks Be Open? 
National Park Service grounds, museums, and monuments will close, disrupting educational visits and vacation plans.

What Happens If There Is A Disaster?
Disaster response is not affected by the shutdown.

Will Federal Employees Get Paid? What About Federal Contractors?
Federal employees are eligible for back pay, however, we have been advised that this is not guaranteed.  Federal contractors will not be paid during this time and will not be eligible for back pay.

How Many Federal Employees Live Near Me?
According to the Office of Personnel Management, in the Sixth Congressional District of Kentucky, there are 13,250 federal employees and retirees. Below is the breakout by federal agency and county. (NOTE: Some counties overlap congressional districts; all attempts were made to include all pertinent counties/numbers in this table.)

More Information:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management - "Guidance and Information on Furlough"
Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget - "Planning for Agency Operations During a Lapse in Government Funding" 
Congressional Research Service - "Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes and Effects"
Sighting Plans in Washington, DC?
Washington Post: Shutdown Plan Details
White House Agency Contingency Plans