Report eyes impact of government shutdown

Officials at federal agencies are tight-lipped about plans for dealing with how a government shutdown would affect taxpayers. But a congressional report in February attempted to glean what could happen, based on the prior government shutdown 15 years ago:

Social Security

Benefit checks continued to be mailed during the shutdown in 1995-96, and a White House spokesman said recently that most are expected to be processed this time. However, the Social Security Administration in the previous shutdown furloughed so many workers that phone calls often went unanswered. Also, the agency was not able to process requests to replace lost Social Security cards, issue new cards or change recipients' addresses. A White House spokesman said in February that new retirees and those with new addresses or who need to have checks reissued may encounter difficulties, if a shutdown occurs.

Visas, passports

According to the congressional report, 20,000 to 30,000 applications by foreigners for visas reportedly went unprocessed each day; 200,000 U.S. applications for passports reportedly went unprocessed.

Veterans benefits

Multiple services were curtailed in 1995-96 in areas including health and welfare, finance and travel. However, Veterans Affairs employees providing inpatient and emergency medical care were exempted from the furlough.

National cemeteries

Calverton National Cemetery and Long Island National Cemetery remained open and burials proceeded as planned during the last shutdown.

National parks, museums and monuments

Attractions including Fire Island National Seashore were closed. But R. Moke McGowan, president of The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission, said he expected minimal immediate impact on tourism because of the time of year.

U.S. Postal Service

Mail delivery continued.

Internal Revenue Service

Tax collection not curtailed.

SOURCE: CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE; INTERVIEWS AND NEWS REPORTS