LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- While Congress battles against the close to keep the government open, the country is preparing for what unfold.
We are hours away from a possible government and people across the state of Florida will see a direct impact.
If the government shuts down, we will see some changes in our area including:
1) Civil cases might be postponed.
2) National parks, museums and passport offices will be closed.
3) New FHA or small business administration loans will stop being processed.
4) Some FEMA workers will be furloughed. FEMA will respond to new disasters but it's not clear how many will continue to work on current project, like Hurricane Irma relief.
5) Active duty military members will still work and get paid but if the shutdown lasts longer than Feb. 1st, there could be furloughs.
6) Civilian military workers will likely be furloughed immediately.
Trump: 'Worst thing' about shutdown would be effect on military
The State of Florida has more than 88,000 federal civilian employees who are not in the military or the postal service.
MORE: Who's affected by a shutdown: By the numbers
What will remain the same if there's a government shutdown?
- Post offices will continue to operate as normal.
- Social Security checks will still go out.
- Air traffic control and TSA workers will stay on the job.
So how did our local representatives vote Thursday night on the house bill to keep the government running? Tom Rooney, Francis Rooney, and Mario Diaz Balart all said yes!
But how will the senate vote Friday? That’s the big question. It’s unclear how Bill Nelson will vote. We know he voted yes on a short-term spending deal in December.
It’s also unclear how Marco Rubio will vote. He has been quoted this week saying a short-term deal is needed.
And the government can’t be shut down over DACA.
If the Senate passes the legislation, it would be sent to Trump’s desk for him to sign.
