The federal government has entered a shutdown after Congress was unable to come to a consensus on funding legislation. This political impasse has placed Southern Nevada in an uncertain situation with several services at risk for disruption. According to KTNV, essential services such as Medicare and Medicaid will continue but could face delays due to staffing shortages. Other effects, such as the halting of operations at national parks like Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon, are also expected.
Travelers may also begin to experience difficulties as the shutdown is to likely impact operations at Harry Reid International Airport. Despite being classified as essential, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers and air traffic controllers will be required to work without immediate pay, although they will receive back pay once the government reopens, as reported by 8 News Now.
On the healthcare front, U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford emphasized in a statement obtained by 8 News Now that "They’re already wreaking havoc on the American people, but to do that without taking away health care and making life more expensive is just something I can’t support." His comments reference the current political stand-off where Democrats are requesting the rescinding of healthcare cuts expected to take effect shortly, a demand which the Republicans and President Trump so far refuse to meet.
In addition to transportation and healthcare, the military is also set to suffer from the shutdown. Active-duty military members stationed at Nellis and Creech Air Force bases won't be able to get paid unless legislation like the Pay Our Troops Act (POTA) is passed amidst the shutdown. A statement provided to 8 News Now from the bases expressed concern over the potential long-term impacts on readiness, modernization efforts, and the ability to maintain technological superiority. As the shutdown continues, the vulnerability of relying on federal funds becomes apparent, particularly for state agencies whose operations can be disrupted significantly if the shutdown stretches beyond a month, as stated in a previous communication from Republican Governor Joe Lombardo's office.
Essential services, such as U.S. Postal Service operations and Veteran Affairs hospitals, will maintain functionality, as reported by KTNV. However, the longer the stalemate in Congress continues, the larger the shadow it casts on Southern Nevadans who rely heavily on these federally funded services and the employees who deliver them.
