Here's what a government shutdown could affect around the country

"As politicians in Washington spar over details of how to fund the government as a shutdown looms, the clock is also ticking for people across the U.S. who would be affected. Without congressional action, government funding will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1. Anything deemed nonessential would be put on hold, so Americans could experience delays with certain services and hundreds of thousands of federal workers will go without pay. Here are some of the ways a shutdown would be felt across the country."

"If you're flying soon Air traffic controllers and most Transportation Security Administration employees are considered "essential workers" and have to stay on the job, even if that means working without pay while the rest of the federal government shuts down. If a shutdown dragged on, travelers could see more "sick-outs" of key personnel. That happened during the 2018-2019 government shutdown as workers showed their anger over missing paychecks."

"The U.S. Postal Service will keep the mail moving as usual in the event of a shutdown. USPS is primarily self-funded and doesn't depend on the appropriations process to continue running as usual. Benefit and safety net programs Social Security, VA and other benefits will continue, but there could be some delay in services, such as processing applications. In a shutdown, the first to feel the pinch could be the mothers and young children who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food program."

Government funding will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1 without congressional action. Nonessential services would be put on hold, causing delays in certain services and leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay. Air traffic controllers and most TSA employees would remain on duty as essential personnel, potentially working without pay and prompting increased sick-outs if a shutdown persists. Passport renewals could take longer as some agency staff are furloughed. The U.S. Postal Service would continue normal operations because it is primarily self-funded. Social Security, VA and other benefits would continue, though application processing could be delayed. The WIC food program faces rapid depletion of funds.

Read at www.npr.org