Cooper says shutdown could hinder child welfare, hurricane recovery funding

By Claudia Rupcich, WRAL reporter

Raleigh, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper is urging Congress to act quickly to avoid a federal government shutdown.

Cooper said a shutdown would harm the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides child welfare services.

It’s funded by the federal government and run by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

Cooper also said a shutdown could delay funding anticipated to help North Carolina with long-term hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts after the state was hit by Hurricanes Florence and Michael this fall.

Congress has approved the funds, but the federal government has to release guidelines before the state gets the money.

Holiday travel shouldn’t be impacted by a shutdown. Transportation Security Administration agents and air traffic controllers will still report to work.

The U.S. post office is a separate entity and won’t be impacted by a shutdown.