The looming federal government shutdown is now reality.

Congress failed to reach a funding deal by midnight on Wednesday, resulting in the suspension of some federal services and placing some federal workers on furlough.

At this time, it is unclear which federal services have been halted by the shutdown or how long the shutdown will last. During past government shutdowns, critical services were maintained while nonessential services were cut.

Many government services have posted contingency plans on their website outlining which services will remain available and which are paused during the shutdown.

Social Security and Medicare benefits are not expected to be impacted by the shutdown. A message on the Social Security Agency website stated that people currently receiving Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income will continue with no change. Social Security offices will also remain open to the public during the shutdown.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will continue to operate during the shutdown. VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and vet centers will be open and provide all services. VA benefits will continue to be processed. Suicide prevention programs, homeless services and caregiver support will continue.

The VA will pause transition program assistance and career counseling. VA benefits regional offices will be closed as well as veteran outreach programs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expected to furlough 42,000 employees, roughly half the agency.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) under USDA will furlough the majority of employees. This means county service centers will be closed during the shutdown. Calls to the Sleepy Eye FSA office result in a recording that staff have been furloughed.

The USDA will continue the food stamp program, but the benefits are only guaranteed through February.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will see a reduction. The website states that mission-critical FDA activities will continue during the shutdown; however, some activities will be paused or delayed with limited food inspections.

The U.S. Postal Service will not be impacted by the shutdown. The funding for USPS is not dependent on congressional funding.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced air traffic controllers and TSA will continue to work, but will not receive pay until the shutdown ends. This is expected to result in delays at the airport.

The Department of Defense will also retain U.S. military personnel without pay until the shutdown ends. This includes National Guard forces deployed to different U.S. cities.

The Department of Homeland Security will maintain border patrol and immigration enforcement employees and customs officers during the shutdown.

The Department of Labor will continue to distribute unemployment benefits as long as state agencies have administrative funding to process them.

In the wake of the federal shutdown, Republicans and Democrats have taken to pointing the figure at the other side.

“In Congress, our job is to govern and that’s exactly what Democrats are refusing to do. House Republicans passed a straightforward, bipartisan CR to keep the government functioning,” said Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) in a statement. “Democrats, however, are more focused on their own political gamesmanship and spending by the trillions than doing right by the American people.

“This shutdown was entirely avoidable and will cause unnecessary uncertainty for the many seniors, veterans, military families, small business owners, and rural communities that rely on the continuity of government services – it’s exactly why people are frustrated with Washington. The American people deserve stability, and I urge my Democratic colleagues to put aside their personal dislike for the President, stop the political theater, and end this shutdown.”

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) said in a statement following the shutdown, she woudl be willing work with anyone who wants to bring down health care costs, but would not be bullied into a bill she believed would nearly double the health insurance costs for Minnesotans.

“Grocery bills are going up, utility bills are going up, and health care costs are skyrocketing, especially for health insurance premiums. President Trump and Republicans hurt rural hospitals and nursing homes with massive cuts to Medicaid. Some families are seeing health insurance premiums go up as much as 70 percent or more. Now, they’re shutting down the federal government because they refuse to work with Democrats to lower health care costs for Americans. I’m ready to get to work whenever Republicans want to work with me and other Democrats to fund important medical research and help Minnesotans afford their health care. That’s the only path forward, and I’m ready whenever they are.”

It is unknown how long the shutdown will last. No Senate vote will take place on Thursday, but another vote is expected on Friday.

The last federal government shutdown occurred in December 2018 and lasted 35 days. It was the longest federal shutdown in history.