The U.S. government shutdown could negatively affect millions of federal workers since their pay could be halted.
If you are an American and living in the U.S., here's why the latest issue faced by the federal government should concern you.
US Government Shutdown: Millions of Federal Workers Could Have Their Pays Halted
The U.S. Capitol stands after Attorney General William Barr told the House and Senate Judiciary Committees in a letter that Special Counsel Robert Mueller had completed his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, March 22, 2019 in Washington, DC.
According to CNN Politics, the U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown because Congress remains in a deadlock situation on a funding deal.
On Thursday, Sept. 21, House Republicans were unable to reach a compromise with their ranks over the new budget. These funds include the budget for the Department of Defense and other agencies.
Experts said that if Congress can't solve this issue, the federal government will not be able to pay around 4 million of its employees after Sept. 30.
Stephen Booth, an Air Force police officer in Kansas, is just one of the federal employees who would be affected by the government shutdown.
"The politicians aren't thinking about us down here on the ground floor doing the work," said Booth via NBC News.
"Some of us live paycheck to paycheck. You take away a paycheck, how am I going to live for the next two weeks? How can I take care of my kids? How am I going to take care of my wife?" asked the cop.
Experts said that the government shutdown comes at a bad time since many American households are already struggling with the ongoing inflation in the U.S.
Aside from this, COVID-19 benefits, such as rental assistance, child tax credit, and student loans, are already reaching their ends.
As of press time, the alarming government shutdown is expected to happen on Oct. 1 if Congress doesn't act fast to solve the budget issue.
What To Know About US Government Shutdown
A joint session of Congress meets to count the Electoral College vote from the 2008 presidential election the House Chamber in the U.S. Capitol January 8, 2009 in Washington, DC. Congress met in a joint session to tally the Electoral College votes and certify Barack Obama to be the winner of the 2008 presidential election.
CNBC reported that the government shutdown could happen as soon as Oct. 1, beginning at 12:01 a.m.
If it really happens, the shutdown will only be ended once Congress passes a funding plan that Joe Biden signs into law.
Americans who will be affected by the government shutdown will be military personnel (2 million) and civilian workers (2 million).
Some federal offices will have to face shortened working hours or even close their facilities. Aside from this, Americans who are trying to apply for government services could experience long delays.
Businesses that are connected to the federal government will experience drastic impacts. These include federal contractors and tourist services.
Related Article: US Spending Battle Drags On as Deal Still Unclear; Congress Remains Using 'Emergency Funds' for Non-Emergencies
