The surprising effects of a government shutdown you may not know about

Government shutdown could have unexpected effects across the nation.

Storified by AJAMStream· Mon, Sep 30 2013 14:13:00

97% of NASA will be furloughed if govt shuts down. http://nyti.ms/1dSltB3Amanda Terkel

If there is a government shutdown, the Mars Curiosity Rover will go to sleep and flu monitoring will stop. http://ow.ly/pm2SiIBTimes

nasa.gov

Others were concerned over people already struggling with dire health problems:

One of my closest friends treats kids with cancer at the National Cancer Institute; Today they're planning for how to shut down tomorrow.Anil Dash

Hey, if the Republicans manage to shut down the government, our NIH grant for @SuperBetter + traumatic brain injury goes away. Thanks, GOP!Jane McGonigal

Many worried about vacation plans and lost tourism revenue:

Warning to all going to Yosemite, Grand Canyon etc: NPS says if shutdown all day use visitors "will be asked to leave immediately."Mike Gardner

Video: Federal government shutdown would affect Gettysburg Battlefield http://on.wgal.com/18GbtYaWGAL

Federal govt shutdown would close AZ national parks immediately, including Grand Canyon. Tourism loss: $2.7M a day. https://news.azpm.org/p/news-fp-featured/2013/9/30/27236-govt-shutdown-may-have-broad-impact-in-az/Arizona Public Media

Grand Canyon Tourists - The Straw Hatidyllopus

The shutdown could also put a wrench in research plans:

In the event of a temporary #shutdown, beginning Tues, Oct 1, all Library of Congress buildings will close to the public and researchers.Jason Steinhauer

Main Reading Room, Library of CongressAGreatEuropeTripPlanner!

Many worried about Medicare benefits and backlogs:

@tnlawgirl the shutdown does affect those individuals scheduled to get their Medicare for the first time during this #shutdownCheryl Lynn

I have to appeal a Medicare denial. If phone no & website are offline due to govt shutdown, no go. Afterward the backlog will be horrendous.Jill Groce

Mornin yall!! Some of yall r blowin the gvt shutdown threat off . Some of us work in a field dependent on medicare payment for our salaries.Country Queens

Small business owners also prepared for a possible hit:



So small business loan guarantees from SBA stop during gov shutdown. Good thing we are not in middle of process on Peyton St building.Paul Cianciolo

For small biz owners, a govt shutdown poses a real threat as it would likely mean small business loan applications would not materialize.Sarah

Immigration reform advocates also expressed dismay:

Shutdown threat imperils immigration reform http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/20/politics/shutdown-threat-immigration-reform/index.html?sr=sharebar_twitterDanielle Nelisse

asking for prayer re: potential U.S. government shutdown.would most likely suspend immigration visas & impact our return from Ghana w/ EvansJeremy Willet

Although many focus on the possible effects of the shutdown on Washington, DC, states around the country are also preparing. Montana anticipated consequences to the energy sector and veterans:

New and pending drilling permits with the bureau also would be put on hold.greatfallstribune.com

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said there also could be delays in processing veterans’ disability claimsgreatfallstribune.com

An Illinois politician also warned constituents about possible consequences:

All of the 50,000 federal employees and government contractors in Illinois would not be paid.foster.house.gov

The doors to national parks, forests, and monuments, such as Reagan's childhood home in Dixon, Lincoln's home in Springfield and Shawnee National Forest would be closed.foster.house.gov

Boathouses on federal land would also be closed.

Happy Memorial Day from Key Bridge Boathouse! Proud to be a veteran-owned company.keybridgeboathouse

Some were upset at the thought of losing panda-cam privileges:

The cams (incl. the panda cams) require federal resources, especially staff, to run. They have not been deemed essential during a #shutdown.National Zoo

tinyhacker.com

The impact on the IRS, however, seems to be going over just fine with some Americans:

In a gov shutdown the IRS says it would suspend all audits! (Where's the symbol for BIG SMILE!)noelle nikpour