If a child had a book report due, but dawdled on the playground instead of writing it, that child would probably fail the assignment, no?
While Congress points fingers and plays games, children who rely on government programs are facing down the real-life consequences of a shutdown.
Though some programs have contingency plans that have, in the past, enabled them to weather a short shutdown, some are more at risk. In particular, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, has just a few days of contingency funding, meaning the more than 6.5 million moms, babies and others who rely on the program for fresh fruits and vegetables, infant formula, nutritional supplements, whole grains, and other healthy foods will be left without this critical support just days after the government shuts down.
A prolonged shutdown could harm millions of other children enrolled in federal food, health, child care and other programs.
Here’s how:
- Delays, closures and confusion: When the federal government shuts down, it threatens the stability of programs that provide children with educational opportunities, health care, nutrition and other life staples. Instability can delay benefits, close offices, and create confusion that inhibits participation. The uncertainty caused by shutdowns can not only disrupt daily life for families but also undermine the long-term progress these programs are designed to achieve.
- Strained resources: During recent shutdowns, including the one in 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture crafted contingency plans that protected children’s nutrition benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The longer the shutdown, however, the greater the strain on any contingency funds. Next week’s threatened shutdown would be the first to occur since the reconciliation bill H.R. 1 shifted SNAP costs to the states, a situation that could make them hesitant — or simply unable — to weather a shutdown using their own resources.
- New burdens on children in poverty: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)is at greater risk than other programs during a shutdown because Congress must appropriate its funding annually. States could potentially weather a short shutdown by using unspent TANF funds from the previous year, though this option is in question: a recent memo from the Office of Management and Budget said “Agency plans should not “repurpose” balances or assume use of transfer authorities. Any exceptions must be requested of OMB, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.” Even if granted authority by OMB relatively quickly, a prolonged shutdown would interrupt payments to children and families who rely on TANF’s cash assistance to make ends meet.
- Delayed services for kids who’ve been orphaned: Social Security serves 2.5 million children who have lost a parent. While Social Security payments are not expected to be disrupted during a government shutdown, service at field offices will be significantly impacted as fewer staff are available to assist customers and process new applications for benefits.
A final thought: The Trump Administration has announced plans for mass firings during any shutdown as a way to advance its goal of downsizing government. Further cuts to the federal workforce — already slashed by the Administration’s previous rounds of firings — would hurt children by making it even more difficult for government agencies to effectively carry out their missions of supporting children and families.
There is no scenario in which a federal shutdown is good for kids. Congress needs to sharpen its pencils and get to work in a bipartisan fashion that centers children and ensures that they receive the support they need, fully and in a timely manner.