The House of Representatives recently shut down the government due to the failure of passing H.R.1, commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”
A shutdown is prompted after the legislative branch cannot agree on a spending bill for the upcoming fiscal year which starts every Oct 1.
When the government shuts down, the United States stops funding federal programs like the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicare. Alongside, national parks and museums will be closed.
Senior A’Niyah Dobson shared her thoughts on what this could mean for students and families. She says she heard about it as soon as it happened.
“A government shutdown can affect students who apply for federal financial aid if it lasts for a significant amount of time,” A’Niyah said. “This is because it can delay loan forgiveness, applications in progress, and lead to limitations if this shutdown lasts for a long period of time.”
A’Niyah said the situation makes her “uncomfortable” and “worried” adding that it shows how divided the country is right now.
She also talked about how families could feel the effects. She mentions housing, SNAP/EBT, healthcare, and student financial aid as areas that could be impacted.
As the shutdown has reached a record number of days as of Nov 7, it becomes highly unknown if Democrats and Republicans will agree on a spending bill. However, the US Senate has been taking steps to end the shutdown
While the outcome of the shutdown remains uncertain, families can take practical steps to prepare. This includes keeping track of deadlines for financial aid, exploring local community resources, and planning ahead for possible delays can help reduce stress and uncertainty during this time.
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