[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″ el_class=”section section1″][vc_column_text]The government shutdown we are currently experiencing officially has become the joint third-longest shutdown in US history (at least on record). A meeting between President Trump, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer, to talk about funding for the wall, ended with the former walking out.
Unfortunately for the 800,000 workers expected to miss out on pay as a result, Sarah Sanders, White House press secretary, has already stated on President Trump’s commitment to the wall who even said that he would be willing to continue the government shutdown for months (and years!). For Democrats, they believe the wall to be an extreme measure and one that doesn’t use resources effectively. Instead, they support tunnel detection, drones, and other forms of technology as a boost to border security.
President Trump’s Plan
- Also Read: Did You Know About These Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules? Find Out Here
- Also Read: Why Social Security and Federal Pensions Don’t Always Work Together as Seamlessly as You Think
- Also Read: Balancing Social Security with Your Federal Pension—Here’s What Works and What to Be Careful With
Ending on Sunday, we’ve seen many days filled with so-called ‘meetings’ between Vice President Mike Pence, senior congressional aides, and other White House officials. As of yet, however, no deal has been agreed. Earlier in the weekend, a budget justification was requested by the Democrats since this wasn’t included in the 2019 budget – this was not fulfilled.
On Wednesday 9th, the shutdown then became the second-longest (19 days) on record, and there’s still no end in sight. Although a nightmare situation for federal workers, at least there is some relief as Pelosi announced that some funding would be provided by House Democrats and the introduction of certain bills. This is essential to receive tax refunds; without these bills, millions expecting refunds would be let down as those in charge at the IRS may be furloughed.
Of course, this would have to pass through the White House and Republicans first. In addition to this, it’s also a short-term measure that doesn’t resolve the long-term problem. Back in 2013, now the fourth-longest shutdown, the battle was over the Affordable Care Act, but this came to an end after 16 days. For this current shutdown, it all began three days before Christmas when a quarter of all federal departments were forced to close after running out of funding. Since then, 800,000 employees have either been furloughed or have continued working but without pay.
With the longest ever shutdown at 21 days, it looks as though we’re going to exceed this and set all kinds of new records. In 2013, it was the Republicans who eventually conceded defeat and, in later polls, they also took the blame for the shutdown. In 1995/96, spending cuts were the topic of conversation between Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich and President Clinton – this led to three weeks of inactivity at a governmental level. For this particular shutdown, no blame was apportioned, but the two parties actually came together to agree a seven-year budget plan.
With President Trump walking out of the most recent meeting, this doesn’t exactly inspire hope that an agreement is within touching distance. Unfortunately, it’s the workers who are suffering now, and the consequences of such discussions are getting more severe with each day that passes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”35782″ img_size=”292×285″ style=”vc_box_shadow”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
