PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — With the threat of a government shutdown looming, many Rhode Islanders have been left wondering how it might affect them. On Thursday, the U.S. House rejected a plan to avert the shutdown ahead of the Dec. 20 deadline. In order to keep the government open, a spending bill must pass the House, the Senate and be signed into law. Rep. Seth Magaziner told 12 News he is "very concerned" about the possibility of a shutdown. He said lawmakers were prepared to pass a bipartisan, short-term spending bill, but the situation changed unexpectedly. “Elon Musk decided to blow the whole thing up,” Magaziner said, referencing Musk's reported support for extending the shutdown to 33 days. While some federal agencies would remain operational, Rhode Islanders could feel widespread effects. "If the government shuts down, military families could go without pay. Farmers could go without pay. Childcare providers could go without pay. Travel could be disrupted because FAA and TSA officers won't be getting paid," Magaziner explained. The Ocean State is home to thousands of federal workers, including those at the Naval Station Newport, as well as agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration. In a shutdown, many employees could face work without pay, leading to financial strain during the holidays. Magaziner noted that, while benefit payments like Social Security checks would still be distributed, new applicants might face delays due to closed offices. Federal funding for programs like SNAP, WIC and housing assistance could also be delayed, leaving vulnerable residents without critical support. He also emphasized how it could disrupt travel with traffic controllers and TSA agents working without pay and result in people, such as families in the military, not receiving a paycheck this holiday season. Additonally, local businesses, especially those near federal offices, national parks or tourist attractions, might see a decline in sales. "Our goal is to keep the government open through the holidays, to deliver aid for farmers, to deliver aid for areas that have been impacted by the hurricanes," Magaziner said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW