As all sides work on a budget agreement, if none is reached by midnight Saturday morning, April 9, a shutdown of the federal government would take place.
President Barack Obama, House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid have been working to reach a deal before the Saturday deadline, according to published reports.
A shutdown could have a far-ranging influence in many areas.
The last governmental shutdown occurred in 1995 (Fiscal Year 1996) when the government shut down twice, once from November 13-19 and again from December 15 to January 6, 1996. A report from the Congressional Research Service said an estimated 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, National Parks were shut down and visas and passports stopped being processed, among other services that were also halted.
Reports suggest many of these same areas would be affected if another shutdown were to happen. The timing of a shutdown this year, though, could also result in delayed tax returns.
Returns done electronically should be fine, but those who file paper tax forms may see a delay. This does not mean taxes do not have to be filed upon a shut down. To avoid accruing any late penalties, taxes should be filed prior to the April 18 deadline.
According to the Washington Post, social security checks and Medicare would continue. Borders would still be protected and mail delivered. Agencies and workers not considered essential would be the ones affected.
In a short press briefing Obama said he expected to “work through the night” if need be.
“We’re going to keep on pounding away at this thing because I’m absolutely convinced that we can get this done,” the president said.
