Some TAMUK students might remember the last government shutdown. Lasting from December 2018 to January 2019, the longest shut down in history lasted 35 days after Democrats refused to accept the funding of a border wall across the U.S.-Mexico border. As of this writing, government has been shut down for a total of 10 days. The White House’s official website hosts an ominous countdown of the days that “Democrats have shut down the government.” However, it is important to ask, why has the government shut down again?
In general, shutdowns occur when Congress is unable to enact a spending bill allowing the use of funds for the next fiscal year, which ended on Sept 30. The Anti Deficiency Act controls how federal entities act, including that they generally cannot spend more money than Congress has approved, which is none. Though Congress is currently controlled in both the House and Senate by Republicans, the Senate lacks the complete 60 votes it needs to pass the spending bill needed to continue funding the government. The move came after Republicans passed a bill allowing funding, but Senate Democrats refused to offer their support unless health care tax credits could be negotiated on. Democrats also attempted their own bill to extend the expiring tax credits to the Affordable Care Act, but Republicans blocked the measure. Even after congressional leaders met with President Trump and attempted to propose their bills again, no progress has been made. The difficulty in resolving the issue is increased when both Republicans and Democrats continue to blame each other for the shutdown.
Federal agencies are permitted to allow only essential functions, like active-duty military members, law enforcement, hospitals and air traffic controllers. Any agencies or employees funded by legislation not under the attempted bill, other fees or any non-federal workers do not run the risk of a pause. Non-essential workers will be on furlough, or temporary unpaid leave, such as employees for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is possible airport travel and travel document delays may occur because of the reduction in efficiency. However, members of Congress will still be paid, which many Americans may rightfully criticize.
Though there is no one clear “solution” to the shutdown, there are several scenarios that would allow funding to continue. The additional Democratic senators needed to side with Republicans could pass a funding bill after all, likely if public pressure increases. Republicans could decide to allow the health care provisions necessary to pass. Leaders in both parties could reach a temporary deal and vote for more time to negotiate the issue, especially because support for the Affordable Care Act is especially high. Considering everything, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are at a critical position to reach an agreement to resume essential government functions.