Federal Government Shutdown Affects Thousands of Texans
The federal government has officially shut down, potentially disrupting services for many Texans. Essential workers, such as air traffic controllers and TSA agents, will continue working without immediate pay, with back pay guaranteed once funding is restored. Thousands of federal workers in Texas face a work stoppage or furlough until a funding deal is reached.
Texas, home to over 130,000 federal civilian employees and over 200,000 uniformed personnel, is significantly impacted. The standoff over government funding could last for weeks, with both sides dug in over demands regarding health care subsidies and funding levels. The federal government uses 'mandatory' spending to sustain Texas' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for about a month.
The White House threatened mass layoffs in the event of a shutdown, adding to federal workers' stress. Nonessential workers, including staff at Big Bend National Park and certain VA regional offices, will likely face a work stoppage. Programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid remain largely unaffected, but furloughs could cause delays for Texans needing administrative help. The Department of Homeland Security, especially Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is likely the most affected agency due to its large workforce and critical role in border security and immigration enforcement.
Republicans in Congress attempted to avert the shutdown with a short-term funding bill, but it failed to pass in the Senate, with Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz supporting it. Essential workers continue to serve without pay, and thousands of federal workers in Texas await a funding deal to resume their duties and receive their wages.
