Cooper says shutdown could hinder child welfare, hurricane recovery funding

A partial government shutdown will go into effect at midnight if a national budget isn't passed, and nonessential federal workers will not be able to work.

President Donald Trump has said he will not approve of a budget that doesn't include $5.7 billion to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, but the Senate is not expected to approve of the package.

Cooper said a long-term shutdown would harm the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides child welfare services.

It's funded by the federal government and run by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Senate Passes Stopgap Spending Bill That Would Avert Shutdown

Cooper also said a shutdown could delay funding anticipated to help North Carolina with long-term hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts after the state was hit by Hurricanes Florence and Michael this fall.

Congress has approved the funds, but the federal government has to release guidelines before the state gets the money.

Individuals will still get Social Security checks, and doctors and hospitals will still receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. The FBI, Border Patrol and military branches will remain open.

Transportation Security Administration agents and air traffic controllers will still to airports, so holiday travel shouldn't be impacted.

Federal workers are expected to be paid back fro their work after the shutdown ends.

The U.S. post office is a separate entity and won't be impacted by a shutdown.