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Guidance on the 2011 Federal Shutdown

April 7, 2011

Barring a last-minute compromise, the federal government will shutdown on April 9 with the expiration of the sixth continuing resolution passed for FY 2011. Without legislation to provide appropriations, the federal government cannot make or authorize an expenditure nor authorize an obligation under any appropriation or fund.

If the current authorization does lapse, the White House estimates 800,000 federal employees would be affected. Federal agencies will continue operations and activities that are essential to national security, the safety of human life and property, among others. As entitlements are not funded through the appropriations process, programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Social Security will continue to be funded, at least in the short-term, as mandated by law. A prolonged shutdown could leave states with a decision help pay state employees who are typically funded by federal funds out of state money. NCSL will continue to provide more news on the impact and effects the government shutdown will have as information becomes available.

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