|
Digital News Report – The US Federal government is facing a shutdown because of a budget problem for 2011 as they work out a new budget. Both Republicans and Democrats have not come to an agreement, and this could cause the federal government to stop functioning on April 8, 2011.
The government shutdown could happen, but only if the lawmakers do not come to an agreement in time. In 1995, the government shut down for a short time period over a similar disagreement.
A survey from the People-Press Pew Research Center said that the American people would blame both sides for the government shutdown. The survey they conducted showed 39 percent of the respondents would blame Republicans for not coming to an agreement on the budget, 36 percent said they would blame the Obama administration, and 16 percent said that both sides were to blame.
The potential government shutdown would affect contractors that do business with the federal agencies.
Social Security Offices nationwide are going to be protesting with a ‘National Call-In to Legislators Day’ on Wednesday April 6, 2011 between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. This protest is because of the proposed $1.7 billion reduction in funding for the rest of 2011.
On April 4, 2011, House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers introduced a continuing resolution which is a temporary funding solution that would prevent the government shutdown for one additional week. In addition, the measure would also cut $12 billion in discretionary spending.
To learn more about the Federal Government budget visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget.
By Victoria Brown
April 8 does that mean 12am April 8 or 11:59 pm April 8? I am hearing that people will not be going to work on Friday, but I was under the impression that we would work on Friday.
A little less government is what we need…maybe taxpayers will have a few more bucks left in their pockets…shut that damn thing down and send those hypocrites home…!!!!
Can you please site your source for the line:
“The potential government shutdown would affect contractors that do business with the federal agencies.”
It is certain that this would directly affect those employed by the federal government, but has been unclear up until now as to whether it would include contractors. In previous government shutdowns, contractors were not affected due to money being pre-allocated for the duration of the contract at the onset. It is entirely possible that this is not the case this time, but I am curious as to the source of your reference.
Thanks!
Not every government office will shut down, some contractors could be involved. Here is a great link explaining much of the impacts that could occur.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/post/government-shutdown-2011-will-i-get-paid-what-will-be-open-what-can-i-expect/2011/04/06/AFfMK2oC_blog.html
Government employees are supposed to work until the end of the day on Friday up until 11:59 pm if the shut down occurs. If in doubt, it is always best to check with the boss you work for for guidance.
Im sorry for all the government workers who will be out of work if this shutdown happens. I am a soldier in the armed forces, and if it meant giving you all a job to provide for your families, I would give you all my spot in a heart beat.
The sad truth is that the majority of the people who’s jobs will be affected by a Government shutdown are not the people who are causing the problems in the first place. Will the Mebers of the Senate or House’s lose their jobs ? Will their pay be cut? I don’t think so! Who’s actually creating the debt to begin with,? Not the people who go to work everyday, do their jobs to support their families. Ignorance, really must be bliss – those of you who ignorantly say “shut that damn thing down and send those hypocrites home…!!!!” need to stop and think about who would actually be hurt by this shutdown and the fact that the majority of them are not the people responsible for the financial mess this Country is in!!!!
Cindy,
I agree, this is one reason why the Obama administration is working hard to resolve the issue despite taking a firm stance against the Republicans, they don’t want Americans to be out of jobs they want to keep the government functioning. In the end you know its not the fat cats up on Capitol Hill that will pay for this, its you and me and the rest of the hard-working people of this country.
Will the ones who can not agree on a budget, House and Senate have their pay stopped on Friday? Soldiers will continue to serve this country without pay and do so for 20 years until they can retire with a pay check. These Representatives and Senators can serve 2-6 years and recieve 100% of their pay for the rest of their lives, while the soldier serves 20 years and recieve only 50%. A Senator goes to Iraq for a 1-2 day tour, soldiers go for a 6-12 month tour.
Then how would I pay my bills, civilian federal employees get “layed off” ie. Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Yes, I do feel kind of bad for those who will not get paid, but think of the big picture! After this meeting, Obama came out with minimal progress, and approximately 55 “um”s. The President seemed confident about “averting” the shutdown, but maybe this will really help wake up America. Look at Allen West, Florida Congressman (R). If the Tea Party was a bunch of racist rednecks, then would he have been elected? Don’t tread on me, progressives.
Jenny- Age 14
Furthermore just wait and see what 800k new unemployed will do to an already poor economy. The recession was yesterday the depression starts today. I’m so sick of listening to the ignorant speak. It’s not those of us to go to work everyday that cause the problems. It’s congress which is to blame and the beauracracies that it sustains. As a federal employee I’ve worked 60 hours a week at minimal pay and no overtime. I’ve been required to finish my degree costing me 30k a year. I’ve work those 60 hours and take 4 classes a semester. I’ve helped protect all of you and taken care of my family. This is how you pay me back? There’s a special place in being reserved for those damn teabaggers.
I Joe the guy who
Brad, this isn’t Wikipedia. Also, I’m Wondering about 2 things…
1: Will Schools Close Because of this?
and,
2: Will SSI Checks Stop being sent if this happens?
My Mother is On SSI, And my Dad is dead, So i’m afraid that if the government does shut down, let’s just pray it’s for 2 or four days at least.
Congressman J. Randy Forbes (R) from Virginia had a great explanation pertaining to SSI payments. He said that, “Social Security Administration has told the House Committee on Ways and Means that the checks would go out.” http://forbes.house.gov/Blog/?postid=234798
He said that if the shutdown goes on through May that school lunches could be a problem because it is funded on a quarterly basis.
College students could face problems, but it hasn’t been announced. He wrote on the blog, “According to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, CRS has limited information on the student aid programs as OMB has directed the agencies not to speak to anyone about shut down plans. Most of the impact is still unclear.” There is more to that section you can read at the link I gave. He said that Pell grants “would likely continue.”
I live in Nigeria and I think your Republicans are a bunch of old evil men. They ruin earth.
That’s where this government shut down is a problem. It isn’t something that is mending current situations, its attempting to mend one of the symptoms caused by current situations. It’s unfortunate for President Obama, I think, because instead of focusing the blame on bipartisan douchebaggery and the presence of those protecting corporate interest at the decision making level in Washington, the blame will likely be laid at his feet. And the people who suffer the most from this potential (it hasn’t happened just yet) govt. shutdown are people who are already struggling or who are going above and beyond in defense for the country i.e. military personnel, D.O.D contracting civilians, etc. It’s unfortunate really.