The United States federal government shutdown started on Oct. 1, and was the longest shutdown in U.S history. The government shuts down when congress is unable to pass appropriation bills that affect the operations of federal programs, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In simpler terms, the shutdown resulted from partisan disagreement over federal spending levels, foreign aid rescissions, and health insurance subsidies.
The government shutdown was affecting many across the nation like federal employees and contractors, military personnel, and the public through disruptions in services and programs. Impacts include furloughs and delayed pay for federal workers, potential cuts in air travel, closures of federal sites like museums, and the halting of some housing and nutrition programs, though some critical functions and benefits like social security and VA medical services continue.
How was this affecting Utah? A government shutdown impacts Utah through potential economic losses, a slowdown in federal contrast, and reduced services at national parks. Utahns can see a drop in consumer spending and delayed support for small businesses, while state and local resources are being mobilized to support essential services, like food banks. Federal employee-heavy areas like Ogden are particularly hard-hit, with potential furloughs and delayed paychecks.
This painstaking government shutdown was also affecting the Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Many civilian workers will be laid-off if their roles are deemed funded/essential. While service members continue working, their future paychecks may be delayed. Non-mission-essential services may be closed or run on reduced staffing, including fitness centers, the recreation center, the base museum, and some maintenance/grounds work may be deferred. Many employees (both civilian and uniformed) report anxiety over pay/their future as the shutdown dragged on.
On Nov. 10, the senate passed the agreement by 60-40 vote. Since the bill passed the House once again and was signed by President Donald Trump, the shutdown ended. On Nov. 12, the House voted 222-209 to end the government shutdown. This officially ended the 43 day government shutdown, the longest government shutdown in United States history.
