Government Shutdown 2023

Federal agencies including the Department of Defense cannot spend or obligate money without an appropriation (approval) from Congress (both the Senate and House must agree). If Congress fails to enact the appropriations, the Federal Government must stop all non-essential functions. This is known as a “Government Shutdown”. If Congress enacts some but not all 12 of the appropriations, those parts of the Federal Government without an approved appropriation must stop work. This is known as a “Partial Shutdown”.

During a Government Shutdown, all Active Duty Military will continue to work but without pay. Other Federal employees designated as “essential” (about 25%) will also continue to work without pay. All military and Federal employees will receive back pay once the appropriations are enacted.

Certain other benefits are funded in a way that allows payments to continue during a Government Shutdown. Military Retirement, VA benefits, Social Security, and Medicare payments continue although many services including VA and Social Security offices will be very limited.

Often when Congress doesn’t finish the appropriations in time, a separate temporary spending bill is enacted to keep the Federal Government open. This is called a “Continuing Resolution (CR)” and allows the Federal Government to operate at the previous year’s level without starting any new contracts or making any new hires.

WHAT IS THE LATEST STATUS ON A POSSIBLE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
Congress has until November 17 to approve a Continuing Resolution or agree to fully fund the nation or there will be a government shutdown.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE START OF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?

MILITARY PAY: Unless Congress passes a separate bill permitting military pay to continue, mission essential personnel like service members are not paid during a government shutdown and must report to work.
TRAVEL, PCS, ETC: Military members should expect an interruption to any TDY or PCS starts that are scheduled to begin after November 17. There may be some exceptions for “essential” travel.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP IF THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IS LENGTHY?

MILITARY PAY: SDMAC Member Organizations USAA and NFCU are offering 0% interest rate loans to help cover missed paydays. Use the links below to see the details: FOOD, GAS, RENT, and OTHER COSTS:

Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (Click image to read)

Pay and Benefits Information for Employees (Click image to read)

Department of Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources FactSheet (Click image to read)

Department of Navy Office of Civilian Human Resources Furlough Concerns (Click image to read)