The US House of Representatives could not approve a Republican spending bill supported by President-elect Donald Trump, receiving a vote of 174-235 opposed. With lawmakers stuck in a stalemate regarding new funding legislation, the US government could face a possible shutdown if an agreement is not made within 48 hours.
Within the five years, US once again encountering the risk of a shutdown as a crucial bill concerning government functions and pay was not passed. Indeed, President Elect Donald Trump initially turned down the bill proposed by the outgoing President Biden administration. Consequently, House of Representative’s Speaker Mike Johnson put forth a new bill to finance the government until March 14. Included in it were Trump's requests, including a two-year suspension of the debt ceiling.
With this, future President Donald Trump endorsed the bill and urged others to support it by voting yes. Democrats were heavily against it. Additionally, the House of Representatives voted against it with a tally of 235-174. Additionally, 38 Republicans opposed the bill alongside the Democrats. Conversely, Democrats still maintain influence in the Senate for now. This indicates that if Congress does not allocate funds for the government by Friday night, the US government will encounter a shutdown.
Effects of the Shutdown
The closure will impact millions of government workers in the United States. Approximately 875,000 workers are expected to lose their positions and earnings. Akbas, director of the Bipartisan Policy Center, stated that numerous individuals will be advised against going to work. An additional 1.4 million individuals in fields like air traffic control will need to persist in delivering vital services. The American Federation of Government Employees stated that they will not receive payment even during holidays. They mentioned that their previous salaries will be paid only once the shutdown concludes. It stated that certain contracts do not provide guarantees for these payments. It portrayed the shutdown as a holiday present for America's adversaries. The risk of a shutdown is especially probable to impact the transportation industry and various other sectors.
Most Affected Sectors
The shutdown will not have a significant impact on Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. US Congress approves their benefits through special legislation. They do not require annual payments. However, benefits provided by Social Security offices will be limited. The National Park Service will close. Hundreds of parks, museums, and other places were closed in 2013. In fact, if a shutdown begins in the United States, it is impossible to say how long it will last. The shutdown lasted for about 35 days between 2018-19. Trump was the president of the United States at the time. It is noteworthy that it was the longest shutdown in American history.
