US Government Shutdown: Services Disrupted, Workers Unpaid, and Politics Roiling
The federal government is on the brink of a shutdown that could cause widespread disruption to services, leave workers unpaid, and stir up political tensions. In a bid to push for deep spending cuts, Republicans in the House are driving a confrontation over federal spending, setting the stage for a potential shutdown.
If the government does shut down on October 1, certain functions will be severely curtailed, with federal agencies halting all non-essential actions. This means that millions of federal employees, including members of the military, will not receive their paychecks. However, under a 2019 law, these workers are expected to receive backpay once the funding standoff is resolved.
The shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. on October 1 if Congress fails to pass a funding plan that the president signs into law. With a divided Congress and hardline conservatives in the House looking to leverage the shutdown for spending cuts, experts anticipate a potentially prolonged stoppage that could last weeks.
The impact of the shutdown will be far-reaching, affecting millions of federal workers across the nation. Approximately 2 million military personnel and more than 2 million civilian workers will face delayed paychecks. Crucial government services will also be hampered, potentially causing delays for those seeking services such as clinical trials, firearm permits, and passports.
The consequences of the shutdown will extend beyond federal employees and government services. Businesses closely connected to the federal government, including federal contractors and tourist services near national parks, may experience disruptions and downturns. The travel sector alone could lose an estimated $140 million daily, according to the U.S. Travel Industry Association. Concerns are also being raised about the potential impact on financial markets, with Goldman Sachs estimating that a shutdown would reduce economic growth by 0.2% per week.
It is worth noting that while the president and members of Congress will continue to work and receive pay, their staff members who are not considered essential will be furloughed. The judiciary will be able to operate for a limited time using funds from court filings and other fees, as well as approved funding. Notably, funding for special counsels appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland would not be affected as they are paid through a permanent appropriation.
Government shutdowns have occurred in the past, with the most significant ones taking place since the 1990s. The longest shutdown, lasting 35 days from 2018 to 2019, resulted from a standoff between then-President Trump and congressional Democrats over funding for a border wall.
To end a shutdown, it is the responsibility of Congress to pass funding legislation that the president can sign into law. While temporary bills, known as continuing resolutions, are often used as stopgap measures, hardline Republicans are pushing for a resolution that includes all 12 bills that fund the government. This process is typically time-consuming and may not be resolved until December at the earliest. Former President Trump has voiced support for the Republican hardliners, potentially prolonging the shutdown.
As the deadline for government funding approaches, the nation is bracing for the possibility of a shutdown. The implications are widespread, affecting federal workers, government services, businesses, and potentially the economy at large. The political standoff over spending cuts adds to the complexities of resolving the situation, leaving the duration and impact of the shutdown uncertain.
