By: Editor in Chief, Nathaniel Hernandez
The ongoing federal government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history at 41 days, is beginning to affect students at the local level. Triggered by a budget impasse in Congress, the shutdown has frozen funding for key federal programs, including food assistance and transportation services.
“I didn’t think it would hit us this hard,” said an anonymous senior student, who relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help feed her family. “Our benefits might stop. It’s scary.”
She is one of many students whose families depend on federal aid programs. With funding lapsing, agencies like the USDA have warned that SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced if the shutdown continues.
Students are also feeling the impact differently. Students had planned to fly to locations like Mexico and other countries for vacations. But people like my peers and I are afraid their flight will be canceled due to staffing shortages at major airports or delayed.
“I see videos all over social media of full-day TSA check-ins with only one terminal,” Mya Taylor said as she showed me the videos of others, only showing me a line longer than a marathon. “I’ve been looking forward to this trip for months. It’s frustrating.”
The Federal Aviation Administration announced a 10-percent reduction in flights at 40 major airports, citing safety concerns as air traffic controllers and TSA agents remain unpaid. Cities like our own Houston and others like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and San Diego are among those affected.
The shutdown began on Oct. 1 after lawmakers failed to pass funding bills for the new fiscal year. While essential services like military operations continue, many federal workers are furloughed or working without pay. Programs like healthcare subsidies and food aid are at risk of running out of funds.
Students are simply calling for more awareness and action.
“I just hope people realize this isn’t just politics,” the anonymous student said. “It’s real life for families like mine.”
Taylor echoed the sentiment: “I just want the government to do its job.”
With no resolution in sight, students across the country may continue to feel the ripple effects of the shutdown in the weeks ahead.
