Government shutdowns: What you need to know
Lawmakers are scrambling to avoid the first government shutdown since 2013
Lawmakers are scrambling to avoid the first government shutdown since 2013
Lawmakers are scrambling to avoid the first government shutdown since 2013
A government shutdown is a bit of a misnomer.
Yes, many federal institutions will be closed and hundreds of thousands of employees will be furloughed, but not everything is completely closed, and the lights stay on at the Capital.
That doesn't mean there aren't wide-ranging effects. So, here's what you need to know about the shutdown.
Why is it happening?
Congress had until midnight Friday to pass a proposed short-term funding bill – this one for a month – but partisan divisions led to the demise of the measure.
Democrats are insisting action to protect immigrants who came the country illegally when they were young, a group known as "dreamers." The GOP want to see more military funding and movement toward enhanced border security.
The last time there was a partial shutdown was in 2013, when the then-surging tea party, incensed over former President Obama's health law, leveraged a closure that lasted 16 days.
What stays open and who gets paid?
Go to the airport. TSA agents will still be there, as will be air traffic controllers. They're deemed essential, just like the FBI and Border Patrol. The same goes for the military.
President Reagan's budget chief, David Stockman, said federal workers are exempted from furloughs if their jobs are national security-related or if they perform essential activities that “protect life and property.”
The troops, however, may not get paid while the government is closed. Fortunately for them, they've been paid for January, so they wouldn't feel any effects until February.
What's shut down?
Certain sites will be closed including the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian and even Yellowstone.
National monuments, parks and museums are considered nonessential, so the doors will close, and their employees will be furloughed. Federal workers can get back pay for the days lost, though.
According to the Associated Press, the 2013 shutdown furloughed 850,000 employees and cost the government more than $2.5 billion in lost productivity and pay and benefits for employees.
What are the political ramifications?
With pivotal mid-term elections coming this year, both sides would be looking to cast blame on the opposing party for the shutdown. Republicans control Congress, so a shutdown would be harmful, especially in districts that are in danger of flipping come November.