White House tells federal agencies prepare for shutdown

Deadlock in Congress could mean funding runs out Oct. 1

WASHINGTON D.C. — The White House Office of Management and Budget is asking federal agencies to prepare contingency plans for a possible government shutdown if Congress fails to keep the government funded before Oct. 1.

The U.S. House of Representatives has been unable to pass a temporary funding measure just days before the end of the government’s fiscal year.

House Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif, has been unable to convince a small number of his party members to approve a budget deal reached with President Joe Biden earlier this year.

McCarthy faces immense pressure for severe spending cuts from a handful of hard-right conservatives in his caucus, essentially halting his ability to lead the chamber, the Associated Press reported.

If the government does shut down, many essential services such as law enforcement, the military, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will continue but many federal employees will continue working without pay.

The U.S. Coast Guard will continue operations as normal but personnel may not receive pay, said Ian O’Keefe, communications manager for U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor. Kilmer represents the 6th Congressional District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties as well as Kitsap, Mason and Grays Harbor along with part of Pierce County.

The National Park Service declined to comment on the potential shutdown but O’Keefe said the situation may be similar to the shutdown in 2013 when millions of visitors were turned away from National Parks, monuments and federally managed lands. Logging on federal lands also would cease during a shutdown, he said.

O’Keefe said it was unclear whether visitors still would be allowed into national parks, even if federal employees and services were not operating.

Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security checks would continue to be sent out, but staff at those agencies would be curtailed and recipients might have difficulty contacting them if they are in need of assistance.

Other services, such as the issuing of new Social Security cards, would stop during the shutdown.

O’Keefe said that while the essential services of the government would continue to operate, the ripple effects of a shutdown will have large impacts on the economy, particularly in Kilmer’s district where the federal government, namely the Department of Defense, is the largest employer.

________

Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Ellen White Face, left, and Dora Ragland enjoy some conversation after finishing a Christmas dinner prepared by Salvation Army Port Angeles staff and volunteers. The Salvation Army anticipated serving 120-150 people at its annual holiday meal on Tuesday. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Hundreds served at annual Salvation Army dinner

Numbers represent growing need for assistance, captain says

Jefferson separates prosecutor, coroner roles

Funeral director hired on one-year basis

Public concerned about hospital partnership

Commenters question possible Catholic affiliation

Sylvia White of Port Townsend is making a major gift to the nonprofit Northwind Art. (Diane Urbani/Northwind Art)
Port Townsend artist makes major gift to Northwind

Artist Sylvia White, who envisioned an arts center in… Continue reading

Skaters glide across the Winter Ice Village on Front Street in downtown Port Angeles. The Winter Ice Village, operated by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. through Jan. 5. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Fresh ice

Skaters glide across the Winter Ice Village on Front Street in downtown… Continue reading

Paranormal investigator Amanda Paulson sits next to a photo of Hallie Illingworth at Lake Crescent, where Illingworth’s soap-like body was discovered in 1940. Paulson stars in a newly released documentary, “The Lady of the Lake,” that explores the history of Illingworth’s death and the possible paranormal presence that has remained since. (Ryan Grulich)
Documentary explores paranormal aspects disappearance

Director says it’s a ’ Ghost story for Christmas’

Funding for lodge in stopgap measure

Park official ‘touched by outpouring of support’

Wednesday’s e-edition to be printed Thursday

Peninsula Daily News will have an electronic edition on… Continue reading

Joe Nole.
Jefferson County Sheriff Joe Nole resigns

Commissioners to be appoint replacement within 60 days

Residents of various manufactured home parks applaud the Sequim City Council’s decision on Dec. 9 to approve a new overlay that preserves manufactured home parks so that they cannot be redeveloped for other uses. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Sequim preserves overlay for homes

Plots can be sold, but use must be same

A ballot box in the Sequim Village Shopping Center at 651 W. Washington St. now holds two fire suppressant systems to prevent fires inside after incidents in October in Vancouver, Wash., and Portland, Ore. A second device was added by Clallam County staff to boxes countywide to safeguard ballots for all future elections. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Political party officials fine with Clallam’s loss of bellwether

With election certified, reps reflect on goals, security

For 20-plus years, Bob and Kelly Macaulay have decorated their boat and dock off East Sequim Bay Road for Christmas, seen here more than a mile away. However, the couple sold their boat earlier this year. (Doug Schwarz)
Couple retires Christmas boat display on Sequim Bay

Red decorations lit up area for 20-plus years