Here are questions about the shutdown posted by Associated Press reader Eli B.:
What happens if essential federal employees don’t show up for work?
Here we need to know about the Shortage Prevention Act. This is a federal law that specifies which functions of the government must continue even if Congress has not appropriated funds for them.
This is also why agencies have “essential” and “non-essential” employees. This law specifies what work must be carried out, so those entrusted with the work are obliged to attend.
Failure to do so may result in discipline, suspension, or termination. It also has the potential to cause massive disruption.
Take the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019, the longest in U.S. history. During that time, thousands of flights were delayed because air traffic controllers and airport security inspectors were not paid. called in sick.
This caused long lines at airports, government employees and contractors were forced to work, and airlines suffered tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue.
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