What will happen if there's a government shutdown at day's end

"Republicans have crafted a short-term measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, but Democrats have insisted that the measure address their concerns on health care. They want to reverse the Medicaid cuts in President Donald Trump's mega-bill that passed this summer as well as extend tax credits that make health insurance premiums more affordable for millions who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act."

"When a lapse in funding occurs, the law requires agencies to cease activity and furlough their non-excepted employees. Excepted employees include those who perform work to protect life and property. They stay on the job but don't get paid until after the shutdown has ended. During the 35-day partial shutdown in Trump's first term, roughly 340,000 of the 800,000 federal workers at affected agencies were furloughed. The remainder were excepted and required to work."

"A great deal, actually. FBI investigators, CIA officers, air traffic controllers and agents manning airport checkpoints continue to work. So do members of the Armed Forces. Those programs that rely on mandatory spending also generally continue during a shutdown. Social Security checks continue to go out. Seniors who rely on Medicare coverage can still go see their doctors and health care providers and submit claims for payment and be reimbursed. Veteran health care also continues during a shutdown."

Funding is set to lapse at 12:01 a.m. as Republicans propose a short-term measure through Nov. 21 while Democrats demand reversal of Medicaid cuts and extension of Affordable Care Act marketplace tax credits. Neither side is showing signs of compromise, and the House is not expected to hold votes this week. When funding lapses, agencies must cease activity and furlough non-excepted employees while excepted employees continue essential work without pay until the shutdown ends. Many essential programs and mandatory spending continue, including Social Security, Medicare services, military operations, and veteran health care.

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