What Services Are Open During the Government Shutdown? – Kiplinger

Report on the Impacts of the U.S. Federal Government Shutdown on Sustainable Development Goals

A prolonged federal funding freeze is creating significant challenges to the United States’ progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ongoing shutdown, resulting from political deadlock, directly undermines the principles of effective governance and institutional stability, which are central to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The subsequent disruption of federal services has cascading effects across multiple socio-economic and environmental domains.

Analysis of Socio-Economic Disruptions and SDG Implications

Threats to Poverty Reduction, Food Security, and Well-being

The shutdown poses a direct threat to the most vulnerable populations, jeopardizing progress on several key SDGs.

• SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Low-income food assistance programs, including SNAP and WIC, are operating on dwindling reserve funds. This uncertainty threatens the food security of millions, directly contravening the goals of eradicating poverty and hunger. The furloughing of federal employees also creates economic instability for many households.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) & SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): While core benefits for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security continue, potential service delays could disproportionately affect the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Although Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers remain open, the closure of regional benefits offices creates barriers to access, impacting the well-being of veterans.

Impacts on Economic Growth, Infrastructure, and Public Institutions

The operational capacity of the nation’s infrastructure and economy is being compromised, affecting goals related to economic stability and resilient communities.

1. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The furloughing of numerous federal employees and the requirement for “essential” workers, such as air traffic controllers, to work without full pay undermines the principles of decent work and economic security. This situation contributes to economic uncertainty and negatively impacts overall growth.
2. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Disruptions in the transportation sector are a primary concern. Staff shortages at airports are causing significant flight delays and security line extensions, weakening the resilience of critical national infrastructure. While Amtrak services are currently unaffected, a prolonged shutdown could impact its long-term viability.
3. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The shutdown exemplifies a failure of effective and accountable institutions. The inability to provide consistent public services, such as full passport processing and updated information via agency websites, erodes public trust and access to justice and essential government functions.

Environmental and Governance Consequences

Challenges to Environmental Protection and Institutional Accountability

The shutdown also has implications for environmental stewardship and the overall strength of governance structures.

• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The National Park Service is operating with limited capacity. While some sites remain accessible, reduced services and potential closures hinder the effective management and protection of vital terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The political impasse leading to the shutdown represents a fundamental failure of partnership and cooperation within government, a core principle required to achieve all Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • The article highlights the risk to low-income food aid programs like SNAP and WIC, which are crucial social protection systems for the poor and vulnerable. The mention that “reserve money dwindling” puts these essential services at risk, directly connecting to the goal of eradicating poverty. Additionally, furloughed federal employees or those working “without full pay” face immediate economic hardship, which can push households towards poverty.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • This goal is directly addressed through the discussion of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children). The article states these programs are “still operating, though with reserve money dwindling, it’s uncertain for how long,” indicating a direct threat to food security for low-income families and vulnerable populations who rely on this aid.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article mentions that while “Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits will continue,” there are expected “delays in some services.” It also notes that VA medical centers will remain open. These services are fundamental to maintaining the health and well-being of millions of citizens, particularly the elderly, low-income individuals, and veterans. The continued work of “Agriculture Department food safety inspectors” also directly supports public health by ensuring the safety of the food supply.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The government shutdown directly impacts the principle of decent work. The article states that the administration is “increasing the number of furloughed federal employees” and that essential workers, such as those in air traffic control and security, “must report to work, but without full pay.” This situation undermines stable employment and fair compensation, which are central tenets of SDG 8.

5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article points to disruptions in public services and infrastructure essential for communities. It notes that airport workers “calling in sick” is “causing flight delays and long lines at security,” with “flight cancellations also possible.” This affects transportation systems. Furthermore, the statement that National Park Service sites may have limited services or be closed impacts access to public and green spaces.

6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The core issue of the article, a “government shutdown,” is a direct example of institutional failure. The text describes a situation where “both parties continue to dig in their heels and talk past each other,” leading to a “federal funding freeze.” This demonstrates a breakdown in effective and accountable governance, impacting the delivery of basic services and undermining public trust in institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all… and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. The article’s focus on the precarious funding of SNAP, WIC, Medicare, and Medicaid directly relates to this target, as these are key components of the U.S. social protection system.

2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. The potential disruption to SNAP and WIC, which provide food aid, is a direct challenge to achieving this target.

3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services… The mention of continued but potentially delayed services for Medicare, Medicaid, and VA medical centers relates to the goal of ensuring access to essential healthcare.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all… and equal pay for work of equal value. The situation of federal employees being furloughed (denied productive employment) or working “without full pay” is in direct opposition to this target.

5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… The article’s description of “flight delays,” “long lines at security,” and potential “flight cancellations” points to a disruption in transport systems.
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces… The article mentions that “some park sites may be closed, and services at those that are open may be limited,” which relates to access to public spaces like national parks.

6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. A government shutdown, described as dragging on with “no clear end in sight,” is a primary example of an institution failing to be effective and accountable to its citizens.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Implied Indicators for SDG 1 & 2

   • Status of funding for social protection programs: The article implies this by stating that SNAP and WIC are operating on “reserve money dwindling.” A measure would be the number of days of reserve funding available for these programs.
   • Number of beneficiaries receiving aid: The continuity of payments to beneficiaries of SNAP, WIC, and Social Security is an implied indicator of the functionality of the social safety net.

2. Implied Indicators for SDG 3

   • Wait times for health services: The article suggests to “expect delays in some services” for Medicare and Medicaid, implying that service delay times could be a metric for measuring access to healthcare.
   • Operational status of health facilities: The mention that “VA medical centers and outpatient clinics will remain open” is a qualitative indicator of service availability.

3. Implied Indicators for SDG 8

   • Number of furloughed federal employees: The article explicitly mentions the “number of furloughed federal employees” as a key impact of the shutdown.
   • Timeliness and completeness of salary payments: The fact that essential employees must work “without full pay” implies that the percentage of workers receiving their due salary on time is a critical indicator of decent work.

4. Implied Indicators for SDG 11

   • Transportation service performance: The article points to “flight delays,” “long lines at security,” and potential “flight cancellations” as direct consequences. These are measurable indicators of transportation system efficiency.
   • Accessibility of public spaces: The number of National Park sites closed or with limited services serves as a direct indicator of access to public and green spaces.

5. Implied Indicators for SDG 16

   • Duration of government shutdown: The article’s statement that the “funding freeze could go on for a few more weeks, possibly into November” presents the length of the shutdown as a key indicator of institutional failure.
   • Scope of service disruption: The number of government agencies operating on “skeleton crews” or with limited services is an indicator of the extent of institutional breakdown.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kiplinger.com