by Calculated Risk on 9/20/2013 09:04:00 AM

A quick note: Currently the BLS is scheduled to release the September employment report on Friday October 4th.  However, if there is a partial shut down of the government by Congressional Republicans, the employment report will be delayed.

Back in 1996, following the partial government shutdown from December 16, 1995 through January 6, 1996, the BLS finally released the December 1995 employment report on January 19, 1996. A similar delay would happen this time if the government is shutdown on October 1st (the fiscal year begins on October 1st).

During a "government shutdown", most of the government keeps running and a shutdown doesn't save any money (it is a political stunt). The impact on the economy would probably be minor, but it would be disruptive - and extremely annoying for those of us who use and follow government economic data.  Private data would still be released (ISM surveys, ADP employment report, etc), but all government data would stop (employment, GDP, housing starts, etc.).

Note: If the government stopped paying the bills in mid-October (doesn't raise the "debt ceiling"), the consequences would be serious - but I doubt anyone is that crazy.  The good news is these threats and stunts only happen in off years to give voters time to forget before the next election!