Several areas of the government are going to "shut down" while the big boys (and girls) in D.C. try to hammer out a budget.
My mom and brother work locally for the federal government and they are worried about being "laid off" until the big boys get their acts together.
It affects so much more that I ever realized.
Good news - go apply for your passport at the post office. It said 6-8 weeks, but I got mine in less than 2 (just last week!) If they do "shut down" you'll already be in the queue line to get yours when they get it back together.
=)