By Doug Whiteman
Here we go again. A standoff in the U.S. Congress has shut down the federal government for the 10th time in 25 years. The last time it happened, in September 2013, parts of the government were out of service for 16 days.
The longest shutdown was in 1995 and lasted three whole weeks.
Here are the ways you'll feel it as the government goes back into low-power mode.
If you've got Washington vacation plans
You may want to rethink them. Many of D.C.'s top tourist attractions — including the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo and the Washington Monument — will close.
The Smithsonian Institution says its museums and the zoo will be open this weekend, even if there's a shutdown. The "closed" signs could go up Monday. Officials also want you to know that the zoo animals will always be fed and cared for!
If you work for the government
There's a good chance you'll be sitting home with Judge Judy, but without pay. About 40% of the federal workforce is considered "nonessential" during a shutdown and is put on furlough. Up to 850,000 workers were furloughed in 2013.
Usually, federal employees who stay home receive back pay after the shutdown ends. But the delayed paychecks can throw off family budgets.
If you're planning a trip to a national park
During previous shutdowns, America's parks turned away visitors and campers.
It's tough to say, so you'll want to stay alert. During previous shutdowns, America's epic parks like Yellowstone had to turn away visitors and campers.
But the Interior Department says this time, it will try to make the parks "as accessible as possible."
If you worry about bad guys seeing an opening
Fear not! The FBI, the Coast Guard, the U.S. Border Patrol, food inspectors and federal prison guards are all in the "essential" part of government that stays open during a shutdown.
The TSA will keep scanning you and doing those very awkward pat-downs at the airport, and America's military will remain on duty around the world. But the troops may not be paid.
If you get money from Uncle Sam
The government pays out Social Security and other benefits during a shutdown.
Social Security payments still go out during a shutdown, but if you lose your Social Security card, you'll be out of luck and will have to wait for a replacement.
Medicare and Medicaid benefits will still be paid out, too.
If you've got some big snail mail coming
Mail service will keep going if the government shuts down.
No need to worry about getting your mail, because you can include shutdowns with those things that don't stop the U..S. Postal Service — like snow, rain and "gloom of night."
The money for the post office doesn't get tied up in these shutdown brawls, so your bills and Bed Bath & Beyond coupons will keep coming.
