A short-term budget deal failed to materialize before the deadline, resulting in a complete government shutdown. Just a year ago, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president of the United States, backed by a Republican majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, this majority did not prevent the government from ceasing operations when the Senate rejected a measure to extend the budget.
Two primary policy issues are at the heart of the shutdown, affecting millions of American families: the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The House had already passed a bill aimed at keeping the government funded, which included provisions for CHIP—essential for the healthcare of 9 million low-income children—but did not address the DACA situation. This left many individuals brought to the U.S. as children at risk of deportation.
The Republicans’ strategy to include funding for CHIP in an attempt to persuade Democrats to support the budget measure fell flat, as the Senate failed to secure the necessary 60 votes. A bipartisan bill that would have included DACA also lacked the required support and had been dismissed by the president, who had previously indicated he might extend DACA protections.
As the shutdown unfolds, blame is being exchanged between political parties, while the public faces the repercussions of a non-functioning government. Historical context reveals that the government has experienced shutdowns before, with the most recent one occurring in 2013 under President Obama. Interestingly, Trump himself had previously criticized such shutdowns, yet now he points fingers at Democrats, despite his party holding the majority and some Republicans voting against the bill.
During a government shutdown, various services are affected, with non-essential employees placed on leave—though they will receive back pay once operations resume. Essential services, such as military functions, will continue, but national parks, museums, and certain government offices will close. The ongoing investigation led by Robert Mueller will also proceed, as the Office of the Special Counsel is deemed essential. However, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will temporarily halt its operations, impacting processes like gun permit approvals.
The public has taken to social media to voice their opinions, with some labeling the situation as the #TrumpShutdown. Lawmakers are also engaged in a war of words; Republican Representative Mark Johnson portrayed it as a conflict between “law-abiding citizens” and “illegal immigrants,” while Democrat Lisa Bennett criticized Republicans for failing to utilize their power effectively.
Meanwhile, millions of immigrants are left in uncertainty regarding their futures, and countless families with sick children are worried about losing essential support. As politicians engage in blame-shifting and gridlock, the needs of vulnerable populations remain unmet.
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In summary, the government shutdown has unveiled deep political divides and left many citizens in a precarious situation. As lawmakers continue to argue, it is the everyday American who bears the brunt of their inaction.