As members of Congress continue to work to avert a federal government shutdown, the Business Record took a look at what a shutdown would mean to Iowans.

If an agreement is not reached on the federal budget, many, but not all, federal functions would stop beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 1.

Here is what we learned about what will and won’t be affected by a federal government shutdown.

In Iowa, there are approximately 18,000 federal employees, according to state employment data. Federal employees who are deemed essential and will continue to work would work without pay.

We have compiled stories from several sources that address the effects of a shutdown. The stories each address several ways a shutdown could affect operations in Iowa and across the country, and those who rely on federal services and programs.

What will be affected:
Small Business Administration loans: In this story from Yahoo Finance, SBA administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said a shutdown of the federal government would “halt all SBA-guaranteed small business loans.” That would mean loans would be stuck and unable to move forward, forcing businesses to seek other financing and possibly paying higher interest and fees.

Farms: Radio Iowa reported a shutdown would lead to a pause in Conservation Reserve Program payments to farmers. Farm Service Agency offices also will be closed. The Des Moines Register reported that key farm aid programs are also set to expire on Sept. 30 unless a deal is reached to extend funding.

WIC program: In this story, NPR reports that a shutdown would put vital nutrition assistance at risk for the nearly seven million people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). SNAP benefits would continue through October. After that, those funds could be at risk.

Financial markets: The Associated Press reports a shutdown could also affect financial markets, with Goldman Sachs estimating that economic growth would be reduced by 0.2% every week a shutdown lasted.

What will not be affected:
Air travel: According to this story from USA Today, a federal government shutdown won’t affect a person’s flight as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees are considered essential workers, as are Customs and Border Protection officials. The hiring and training of air traffic controllers would be put on hold during a shutdown, USA Today reports.

Social Security and Medicare payments: CNBC reports that although some employees within the Social Security Administration may be furloughed, recipients will still get their checks.

Federal courts (for now): The Des Moines Register’s article also reports that federal courts should be able to remain open for at least two weeks, although, employees would work without pay. The story also says that the U.S. Postal Service will not be affected.