Because of budget issues the FAA partially shut down some services. The question remains how does that effect travelers. As of now, it doesn't . The FAA temporary furloughed 4000 workers. Most of these workers are non essential such as construction workers, & engineers. Air traffic controllers will not be affected nor will airline safety inspectors. The budget crisis will cost the FAA over 200 million a week in airline, & airport taxes.  The FAA over see many departments in aviation from air traffic controllers, airline safety, airport operations, navigation maintenance, & new aviation research & technology. Their primary mission is to promote aviation safety & airline commerce.