America's government shutdown that began at midnight Sept. 30 will impact millions of Louisianans directly from troops to federal employees to homeowners seeking flood insurance to National Park visitors.

Congress failed to meet the midnight deadline to pass a funding extension that would have kept the government open with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other while Americans suffer the consequences.

Some essential services and payments will continue, while others deemed non-essential will be suspended.

Social Security payments will still be made and Medicare and Veterans Affairs benefits will continue without interruption.

Social Security is considered a mandatory program and it isn't funded by the shorter-term appropriations bills passed by Congress and signed by the president

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