In a world where nations compete for influence and respect, the fact that leaders of one of the world’s most powerful countries are willing to provoke a crisis that suspends public services and decreases economic growth is disturbing. Shutdowns display a domestic image of instability and volatility that hurts the United States in the eyes of international allies and can be exploited by adversaries.
When a federal shutdown occurs, most employees are furloughed and will not receive pay until appropriations for their work are passed. However, certain functions that “relate to the safety of human life or protection of property” are deemed excepted and continue during a shutdown.
These activities include military operations; law enforcement, including airport security; food safety inspections; passport processing; and some benefits payments. During a shutdown, local businesses may suffer from reduced sales and tax revenue; individuals will face delays in receiving their Social Security or Medicare benefits; and travelers might experience longer lines at government-funded travel agencies and at airports.
A federal budget shutdown can be avoided if Congress passes a bill that authorizes spending for the rest of the fiscal year. But because Congress has increasingly relied on short-term appropriations bills and last-minute, sprawling omnibus packages, the chances of a shutdown are growing. Americans deserve to be able to trust that their elected leaders will do their jobs and not use them as bargaining chips in partisan disputes.
