WASHINGTON: The US government has begun to inform workers of an impending shutdown that could see millions of federal employees and military personnel sent home or working without pay, unless Congress reaches a last-ditch deal.

Without an agreement, funding for much of the federal government will expire at midnight on Saturday, threatening disruptions to everything from air travel to some benefit payments, and — if the shutdown endures — dealing a further blow to the precarious US economy.

The stand-off has been triggered by a small group of hardline Republicans who have pushed back against short-term funding deals, with Congress in deadlock over calls for deep spending cuts. Some federal employees have been informed of preparations for a lapse.

A note to staff at the Department of Health and Human Services outlined how it would see “reduced staffing across nearly every division for the duration of the lapse” although many key programs will continue.

The department also updated its contingency plans, adding that “pre-notified employees would be temporarily furloughed,” meaning they are not allowed to work.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2023