Government Shutdown Rumors: True Or False?

Explanation
FALSE. While 97 percent of NASA proper's staff has been furloughed, Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a contractor, so the Mars Rover is continuing to rove as planned, according to JPL. Previously, a NASA spokesman had said that it was being put into a "protective mode for the security of the rover" and that "no new data gathering will take place," but JPL said that wasn't the case and that they will continue operating the rover.

Explanation
TRUE. According to the Social Security Administration, "Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments to beneficiaries will continue with no change in payment dates." Social Security is set up as a permanent entitlement and isn't subject to needing funding from a continuing resolution. However, they do note that while offices remain open, they are offering limited services. Social Security card centers have been closed for the shutdown. They note that they won't be able to issue new or replacement cards, replace a Medicare card or issue a proof of income letter.

Explanation
FALSE. While Republicans are ultimately seeking to defund the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, it was set up as a permanent entitlement similar to Medicaid and Social Security, so it isn't subject to needing funding from a continuing resolution. "Many of the core parts of the health care law are funded through mandatory appropriations and wouldn't be affected," said the Health and Human Services Department's Gary Cohen.

Explanation
FALSE. The IRS is continuing to collect taxes, with all payments set to be processed during the shutdown, according to the IRS's contingency plan. Did you file an extension? Over 12 million Americans did this year. If so, they're still due Oct. 15, whether the shutdown is over or not. However, the IRS is suspending audits during the shutdown, and refunds may be delayed.

Explanation
TRUE. Congress passed and the president signed into law the "Pay Our Military Act," meant to ensure that the military would be paid. However, a spokesman for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service tells official military newspaper Stars and Stripes that they were waiting for guidance from the Pentagon before processing paychecks.

Explanation
FALSE. According to the Defense Finance and Account Service, veterans' benefits aren't from the same appropriations as those cut off by the government shutdown, so they're expected to go out as usual. In fact, checks for October are already out, according to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's Chief Policy Officer Tom Tarantino — but if the shutdown lasts longer than a couple of weeks, the Veterans Administration may not have enough cash on hand to pay benefits in November. The VA also won't be processing new claims during the shutdown.

Explanation
FALSE. Military bases are remaining open during the government shutdown, though some services on bases are being affected, according to a release from Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Rosemary Freitas.

Explanation
FALSE. The Employment and Training Administration, which distributes unemployment checks, "will continue to provide essential functions, as occurred during the shutdown of 1995" — including sending checks, according to the Department of Labor's shutdown contingency plan.

Explanation
TRUE. The Huffington Post reported that several reporters spotted multiple members of Congress drinking as the shutdown was approaching, while they were continuing work. They cite BuzzFeed's Kate Nocera and Politico's Ginger Gibson.

I def saw more than 1 member of congress putting a few back on Penn earlier. Ran into 2 in the liquor store.— KateNocera (@KateNocera) September 29, 2013


I'm not over exaggerating when I say I can smell the booze wafting from members as they walk off the floor.— Ginger Gibson (@GingerGibson) September 29, 2013