By Sean Yoo

On September 30, the Democrats and Republicans in the Senate failed to reach an agreement on the budget and caused a partial governmental shutdown. The main debate that could not be resolved was over the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are uncertain about their next paycheck. 

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a set of spending bills to fund federal programs and agencies. Without these bills, federal agencies would not be able to spend or allocate any money without accommodations from Congress. This creates a shutdown of all non-essential services. 

During a shutdown, however, essential services continue to function. These include Social Security and Medicare checks, border control and law enforcement staff, air-traffic control workers, and more. These workers report to work, but are not paid or receive back pay until the government restarts.

However, the majority of federal workers will not report to work during a shutdown, and are not paid until the shutdown ends.

The effects of this shutdown will go beyond just D.C. Whether this involves processing passports, small business loans, or any government benefit, there will be delays. If the shutdown continues to last, funds in food assistance programs will deplete and air travel may experience heavy delays. National parks will function without rangers, and museums will close their doors.

The 2018-19 shutdown was the longest in history lasting 35 days. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the economic output was reduced by an estimated $11 billion. 

Currently, both parties have started the blame game. The Democrats argue that the ACA should remain fully funded and hope to fight for healthcare. 

“Five failed votes by Senate Republicans,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X. “They can’t go forward unless we come to an agreement to address the healthcare crisis in America.”

The Republicans, on the other hand, argue that determining ACA’s funding should wait until the end of the year and focus on ending the government shutdown first. 

“We have a majority of senators, 55 that have already voted for this clean, short-term, non-partisan CR,” Majority Leader John Thune said in a press conference on October 3. “No policy riders, no gimmicks, nothing that benefits Republicans. This is about the best interest of the American people and what is in the best interest of the American people is keeping the government open and operating to continue to work on their behalf.” 

This deep divide has furthered tensions within Congress and frustrated many who expect the government to function smoothly. 

Lawmakers are currently working to try and reach a negotiated solution, but no timeline is available as to when the shutdown will end. Until a compromise is reached, federal workers will remain furloughed with delays in benefits.