Local agencies say the federal government shutdown will have some impact on the Minot area, although the extent could depend on how long it lasts. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday failed to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded while continuing to develop a fiscal year budget.

The government shutdown will impact both the Air and Army National Guards, according to information from the National Guard.

“We will continue to meet the military mission. National Guard personnel in an active-duty status will remain on duty to maintain military operations, as will other employees working in functions deemed necessary to daily safe and effective operations,” said Nathan Rivard, Public Affairs officer.

Drills for Guard units will be on a case-by-case basis, Rivard said. If a unit needs to drill to maintain a certain level of readiness, the ability to drill can occur. No pay, allowances or benefits will be paid until the termination of the furlough, however, he said.

“We are operating as normal as of today and for the foreseeable future,” said Jennifer Eckman, Minot International Airport director. She said an extended closure could bring impacts to the airport, but those are unknown at this time.

Most operations, including Transportation Security Administration screening operations, air traffic control and Customs and Border Patrol, are considered essential and are continuing. Eckman said federal funding for airports was approved last year and isn’t expected to be interrupted, based on information received Wednesday from the state.

The Spirit Lake Tribal Council announced Wednesday that essential services will continue without interruption.

Tribal Chairwoman Lonna Jackson Street said the tribe is committed to maintaining stability for its members during the shutdown.

“Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of the Spirit Lake people. While we have not yet received coordination from our federal partners, the tribe has been proactive in planning for this moment. We have reviewed our budgets, identified which programs may need to be supplemented, and made the necessary moves to ensure essential services are sustained,” she said.

Essential services that are continuing include public safety and emergency response, with Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement fully operational. The Indian Health Service will continue clinical services under advance appropriations, though some administrative or referral processes may slow. The Bureau of Indian Education has activated its contingency plan, and schools remain open.

Programs that could be delayed include grant reimbursements and new federal awards or funding approvals.

Social Security reported local offices will remain open for some functions, with website services still available.

Phone calls from The Minot Daily News to the U.S. Department of Agriculture offices in Minot and Fargo went unanswered Wednesday. A message on the state page of the national website stated, “Due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown, this government website will not be updated during the funding lapse. President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people.”

In response to the federal government shutdown, North Dakota Health and Human Services issued a statement in regard to the status of mandatory entitlement programs it administers.

“We’d like to let North Dakotans know that the federal government shutdown does not close state government. Mandatory entitlement programs administered by North Dakota Health and Human Services — including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC and the Child Care Development Fund — are expected to continue without interruption,” said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. “We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”