Passport Applications *if* Gov't Shuts Down

[corona]

During the 1995 and 1996 shutdowns, “nearly 30,000 visa applications were unprocessed, while 200,000 applications for passports were ignored.”

http://www.passportsandvisas.com/blo...application-2/

I looked on the official US Passport web site and didn't see any information regarding the potential government shutdown, but on the news this morning, it was reported that the only applications that would be processed are emergency situations and that there may be an undetermined delay in processing normal requests.

[Andrea J.]

ya not a good scenario
my question is about FAA air traffic controllers.........are they still federal employees or has that been privatized? us customs agents...not border patrol?
my son works for the dept of defense as an engineer, i wonder what his status is?

[corona]

Andrea, there was a whole laundry list of what will be running and what will be shut down. I know they said our mail would still be delivered. One of the most unfortunate details was that our military wouldn't receive their full pay until after a deal was struck. Also, tax refunds would be held, but payments and filing are still due on time.

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/government-shutdown-would-mean-no-pay-for-soldiers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaig n=Feed%3A+OTB+%28Outside+The+Beltway+%7C+OTB%29

That's a good question about your son as a Dept of Defense Engineer. What a mess.

Regarding Pentagon civilians, the linked article says that:

A large number of Pentagon civilians would be furloughed without pay for the duration of the shutdown. Support structures for military families, such as military schools, would remain open. When the shutdown ends, the soldiers would get their back pay but the civilians might not.

It has been leaked that there might be an agreement on a budget deal, although it's only a rumor and has not been substantiated.

Here's a shutdown list:

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2011/...ex.html?hpt=T2

[Arubalisa]

The air traffic controllers will continue to work uninterrupted.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2011/0...tails-040711w/

"Mail delivery would continue.
Congress and federal courts would close.
Key national security responsibilities, including operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya and earthquake assistance to Japan, would not be interrupted.
The IRS wouldn't process paper tax returns. Those expecting a refund should file their returns electronically and specify the money be deposited directly into their bank accounts. Tax payments are welcome.
Social Security payments would continue to be delivered, and applications for benefits would continue to be processed. Social Security headquarters and regional offices would be closed.
Medicare still would pay medical claims. Payments to doctors, hospitals and other service providers could be delayed, however, should a shutdown continue for several months.
The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30% of home mortgages, would stop guaranteeing loans. The issuance of government-backed loans to small businesses would be suspended.
Air traffic controllers would keep working along with many of the Federal Aviation Administration's technicians who install and maintain the equipment for the nation's air traffic control system.
Almost all of the Federal Transit Administration would close, meaning local transit agencies would wait longer to get federal aid.
Most of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which issues auto recalls and makes grants to states for safety campaigns, would close.
The Environmental Protection Agency would stop issuing permits and stop reviewing environmental impact statements.
Most government websites would not be updated, unless they were deemed essential."
Sources: Times Herald and Associated Press

TSA employees at airports and homeland security will keep reporting for duty.