Federal Government Shutdown Expected to Disrupt Health Programs, Local Services, National Parks

The U.S. federal government faces a potential shutdown starting October 1 due to Congress failing to pass a funding extension, with the Senate deadlocked over budget issues including Medicaid cuts and Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions. Essential services such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and airports will continue, but many federal workers could be furloughed without pay, affecting approximately 95,000 workers in Florida and many others nationwide. National parks will likely close, food banks may experience increased strain, and some local programs could face disrupted funding, particularly in states like Georgia where federal grant money supports education and infrastructure. President Trump has been accused of using federal worker layoffs as a political tactic, with Democratic leaders warning of mass firings starting October 1, though any such actions may face legal challenges. While critical programs have some financial buffer to continue operating, longer shutdowns could delay benefits and impact services. The District of Columbia also stands to suffer financially due to an accounting issue that could prevent it from recovering funds from the federal government during a shutdown.