Roomies, the United States government has shut down for the first time in six years. But what does a government shutdown mean? And how will this impact you? Well, The Shade Room is breaking things down.
More Details On The United States Government Shut Down — The First In Six Years
According to CNN, the government shutdown commenced at midnight on Wednesday, October 1. For context, the outlet reports that the fiscal year begins on October 1. Therefore, Congress is required to “provide funding for many federal departments and functions” by approving an agreed-upon spending package for the upcoming full fiscal year. Or if this can’t be agreed upon, the current package may be temporarily extended.
However, if lawmakers can’t agree on a spending package — which is what has currently happened — then “many agencies and activities must shutter until Congress appropriates more money.”
Has This Happened Before & What Does The United States Government Shutdown Mean For You?
Per the outlet, “every government shutdown differs somewhat.” In U.S. history, the outlet reports that 14 have taken place so far, most occurring under split-party governments, with the last one taking place during Donald Trump’s first term, and lasting from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. This was reportedly the longest government shutdown in history.
As for how things might be disrupted, CNN reports that travel disruptions can be expected. Specifically, airlines and airports may face delays and cancellations. To note, air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees are considered essential workers. Therefore, they must remain on the job. However, some may end up working without pay.
Furthermore, national park sites and accompanying visitor services across the country could be shuttered as long as the government shutdown looms. Additionally, museums may also face the same fate. And federal loans for small businesses and homebuyers may also be paused.
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To note, CNN reports that the unaffected agencies include: “Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits…the National Weather Service, Veterans Affairs health services, and passport and visa processing…”
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Social Media Reacts Alongside Kamala Harris
Subsequently, former Vice President Kamala Harris took to X to share her disappointment at the shutdown. Additionally, Harris stated that “President Trump and Congressional Republicans” shut down the government, seemingly addressing the White House’s previous social media post calling the matter a “Democrat Shutdown.”
Peep her words and the White House’s post below.
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Meanwhile, the conversation surrounding the shutdown continued in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @alexisreneexo_ wrote, “Two gov shut downs under the same president in 6 years… interesting”
While Instagram user @drdamaanita added, “Has anyone noticed that EVERY TIME there is a government shutdown, TRUMP is in charge?!!”
Instagram user @pjanderson_ wrote, “They have the House, Senate and White House we are not DUMB!”
While Instagram user @yooohypemommy added, “I see some of yall still slow and haven’t learned that Mrs Madam ain’t told one lie yet and yall still questioning it. Sad 😫”
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Instagram user @auntie.loren wrote, “She’s right. This is his second shut down and he takes no accountability.”
While Instagram user @_fablex added, “White House tweeting propaganda is crazy. Very unserious”
Instagram user @_smiley_faith wrote, “Yea wait why they blaming democrats for the shutdown😭”
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What Happens Next? Will The Shutdown Be Lifted?
Per CNN, in order for an agreement to be reached on the spending bill, Democrats are calling for Republicans to “engage in negotiations over reversing Medicaid cuts and extending expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.”
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However, Newsweek reports that President Trump and the Republicans have threatened “permanent program cuts and federal workforce reductions if Democrats don’t concede.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, NBC News reports that “several Democratic senators” informed the outlet that “conversation between senators of both parties… happened on the Senate floor.”
“There is a lot of bipartisan hope that we can make this shutdown as short and costless as possible,” Richard Blumenthal, the Democratic Senator of Connecticut, told the outlet.
