A government shutdown is hurting people and disrupting businesses. It is time for Congress to do its job, and stop the political brinksmanship that repeatedly brings the nation to the edge of a crisis.
AFP has long opposed the dangerous political brinkmanship that regularly brings the federal government to the edge of a shutdown. It is a lose-lose scenario that undermines public confidence in our elected officials and delivers poor outcomes for the American people.
On day two of the shutdown, a chorus of Republicans and Democrats continue to heap blame on each other, but there are hints that some cracks have begun to appear in the unity of either or both parties. This could make it more difficult to keep the government open.
The impact of a shutdown begins immediately. Families of government employees will go without paychecks, and many seniors and veterans will see their food benefits cut. Some will be forced to visit food banks. And the uncertainty will strain communities across America, making them less likely to invest in local economies.
A shutdown will also cause significant disruptions to air traffic control, transportation security, and other essential services. While air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are designated as “essential workers” and would be expected to report to work, they will not be paid until the government reopens. It is not hard to imagine that this will lead to low morale, absenteeism, and service disruptions, just as it has in previous shutdowns. And the closure of national parks will stifle tourism and harm local economies.
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