The government’s software is decrepit. The shutdown isn’t helping

Despite the government shutdown, essential government technology, including websites and internal software, remains largely operational. Short-term funding sources and essential worker designations are helping to maintain systems currently. However, experts warn that these measures are unsustainable and prolonged shutdown will hinder crucial upgrades. The shutdown exacerbates existing challenges in government technology, such as outdated systems and worker shortages. Government tech projects are slowing down, and federal jobs are becoming less appealing to tech professionals. This threatens the administration's goals of attracting tech talent and modernizing government technology. Employee morale suffers due to financial uncertainty of delayed paychecks, hindering performance. Agencies are prioritizing core operations, potentially overlooking new technology development & cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The shutdown risks a loss of experienced tech workers to the private sector due to job insecurity.