The morning sky brightens over the U.S. Capitol, where lawmakers continue to posture and negotiate spending bills ahead of a looming U.S. government shutdown in Washington, U.S. September 28, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights
WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) – If Congress fails to provide funding for the fiscal year starting on Sunday and the government shuts down, the effects will be felt around the world, with many workers furloughed from foreign policy and national security positions or ordered to work without pay.
A shutdown could also dent the United States’ reputation at a moment when the Biden administration is trying to persuade many countries to side with it rather than its rival, China, and unite behind Ukraine as it battles Russia.
Here is a guide to some of the effects:
STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. embassies and consulates will remain open and passport and visa processing will continue as long as there are sufficient funds to cover operations. Nonessential official travel, speeches and other events would be curtailed.
Some foreign aid programs could also run out of money or have trouble performing their missions. A Department of State spokesperson said that, with limited staff available to implement and monitor programs, there could be delays in responding to crises, providing health assistance for programs focused on malaria, tuberculosis or HIV-AIDs, or delivering security assistance.
How would a government shutdown affect US foreign policy?
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