Shutdown Could Close Parks And Zoos, Delay IRS Refunds

A closed sign is affixed to a door at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum in Washington Tuesday Nov. 14, 1995 as parts of the federal government were shutdown due a federal budget impasse between President Clinton and the Republican Congress. (AP)

If Congress doesn’t pass a federal budget by Friday night at midnight, the National Zoo and federal parks would close, I.R.S. refund checks could be delayed and troops fighting in foreign wars might not get paid.

But postal carriers, air traffic controllers and even members of Congress would still have to work. So what does a federal shutdown mean for federal employees and everyday Americans? We take a look with Steve Ressler, founder of the government worker social media site, GovLoop.

• NYT: As shutdown looms, agencies brace for its impact
• NASBO.org: Impact of a federal government shutdown on states