Countdown to chaos averted: Congress narrowly avoids disaster, new date to remember.

Congress Avoids Government Shutdown, but Deadline Looms

Congress narrowly escaped a government shutdown ⁣on Saturday night, ​just hours before the midnight deadline. However, this only provides a temporary delay, pushing the ‍possibility of a shutdown by 45 days.

Now, Congress‌ must reach a‍ funding agreement by Nov. 16,⁣ giving them approximately six weeks to pass the ‌annual appropriations bill and secure funding for the next ​fiscal year.

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The recently⁣ passed continuing resolution includes a $16 billion supplemental request for disaster relief and funds the government at fiscal 2023 levels. However, it excludes aid ​for Ukraine.

This new agreement is set to expire just before the holiday season,‌ with the ⁢date falling eight days before Thanksgiving and a little over a month before Christmas.

Impacts of Government Shutdowns

Government shutdowns can have unexpected effects on the country. National Parks, the National Zoo in⁤ Washington, D.C., and Smithsonian museums may close or operate on alternative funds. Government office workers, including those in the State,⁤ Justice, Agriculture, and Labor departments, are also affected.

Military personnel may⁣ be required to work without pay during a shutdown. While airports themselves would not be affected, longer wait times at security checkpoints could be expected due to reduced staffing. This could significantly impact holiday travel.

While Social Security⁤ payments would continue using separate funds, welfare programs ⁣like the‌ Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, ⁤and Children would be affected. However, SNAP has enough funding for‍ at least a month.

Pay During Shutdowns

Federal employees fall into two categories: excepted and furloughed. Furloughed employees are not paid and ⁣cannot work during⁢ a shutdown. Excepted employees, whose duties ⁢are considered essential, are usually paid, but their pay must be approved by Congress.

Some individuals, such​ as military⁢ members, may still ‌be required to ⁣work without receiving pay. Benefits are typically still covered‌ during ‍a furlough.

Vacations During Shutdowns

Excepted employees who continue to work during a shutdown can ⁣request paid time ‍off and take vacations if approved. Furloughed employees can also travel during their furlough without it being counted against‌ them upon their return. However, any approved⁤ paid time off would be⁤ canceled.

While a shutdown is still ‍possible next month, the House and Senate passed a resolution to avoid it on Saturday. President Joe Biden signed the resolution just one hour ‍before midnight.

“I strongly urge⁤ my Republican‍ friends in Congress not to​ wait ⁢ [on a new agreement],” Biden said in an address on Sunday. “Don’t waste time as you did all summer. Pass a ‌yearlong budget agreement.”

CLICK ‍HERE TO‍ READ ⁢MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

What are the economic consequences of⁢ a government shutdown?

Ding. Federal employees may ‌be ⁢furloughed, resulting in missed paychecks and financial hardships. Essential services such as air traffic control, law enforcement, and public‌ health agencies continue ⁤to operate,⁢ but with reduced staffing and limited ‍resources.

The economic impact ⁣of a government shutdown can ⁣be severe. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the 35-day shutdown earlier this year cost the U.S. economy $11 billion, with⁤ $3 billion being​ permanently lost. Small businesses that rely on government contracts or tourism from national parks suffer significant ‍losses, and consumer confidence takes a hit. The longer a shutdown lasts, the more negative ⁤the‌ economic consequences.

In addition to the economic implications, a government shutdown affects the livelihoods ⁤of individuals across the country. Federal employees ‌who are furloughed face uncertainty and financial strain. They may struggle to pay bills, cover medical ⁤expenses, ‌or provide for their families. Contractors who work with the government may⁣ also experience delays ⁤in payments, causing disruption to their businesses ‍and livelihoods.

Furthermore, ⁢the impact of a shutdown extends‍ beyond the immediate effects. Confidence in ‍the ⁣government’s ability to manage ⁤the nation’s affairs is eroded, with negative consequences for public trust and the‍ political landscape.‌ It raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of Congress in fulfilling its responsibility ‌to pass spending bills and⁣ keep the ⁢government running.

The⁣ looming deadline ​for Congress ‌to reach a funding agreement places significant ⁢pressure on lawmakers. It cannot be stressed enough that the country cannot afford another shutdown.⁢ The adverse​ effects ‌on individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole are too great. ⁣Congress must set aside partisan differences and prioritize the interests of the American people.

With only six weeks to pass the annual appropriations bill and secure‍ funding for the next fiscal⁤ year, Congress must work diligently and efficiently. It is crucial for lawmakers to‍ negotiate in good faith,⁤ compromise, and find common ground in order to prevent any further disruptions to government operations.

The American people ‍deserve a functioning government that serves their interests and ensures stability and progress. It is⁢ the responsibility of ⁣Congress to fulfill their duty and avoid⁤ a government shutdown. The clock is ‌ticking, and the nation is watching. Let us hope that our elected‌ officials rise to⁤ the challenge and demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of the nation.

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