MANSFIELD, OH — While a government shutdown threatens daily routines in Washington, D.C., and other major cities, most of north central Ohio remains unfazed. At least for now.

That’s because many of the programs the area relies on are still deemed “essential,” meaning they will continue untouched. Some of the programs fitting that description may be obvious, such as Social Security, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and taxes.

But according to local gun shops, background checks on firearm buyers also made the cut.

“Everything will continue as normal, that’s what they’re telling us,” said Jake Hummel, store manager for Sportman’s Den in Shelby. “It’s a relief. (Background checks) are part and parcel of our business.”

Hummel said he received the good news early Monday through an email administered by the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System Section.

“We just received word … NICS will be operational during normal business hours in the event of a government shutdown,” Kim Brown, NICS liaison specialist, said in an email.

What is a Government Shutdown?

In U.S. politics, a government shutdown is a situation in which Congress fails to pass authorization for sufficient funds for government operations. Typically, the government stops providing all but “essential” services at first, but since Congress must authorize all expenditures, there is no law protecting any government service from stoppage.

Federal services that may continue for a time after a shutdown include the National Weather Service and its parent agencies, medical services at federal facilities, armed forces, air traffic management, and corrections (the penal system).

Source: Mansfield News Journal