The partial government shutdown that began on December 22 of 2018 is still in effect, and there are no signs that it will end anytime soon. As of January 12, this federal shutdown officially became the longest in American history, surpassing a 21-day record set in 1995.
In order for the federal government to begin fully functioning once more, a spending plan for the federal government must be legislated by Congress and signed by the president. Without approved funding, the government has no money to fully operate; by law, parts deemed “non-essential” are closed until an agreement is reached. Thus, the government is effectively “shut down.”
Government shutdowns are not an uncommon occurrence. America has experienced 21 shutdowns total since the first one in 1976. Excluding the present shutdown, the most recent one occurred during President Barack Obama’s administration in October of 2013, when the hot-topic funding issues included President Obama’s Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and the debt ceiling. The controversy was resolved by a compromise between House Republicans and Senate Democrats to raise the debt ceiling and keep the government open through mid-December.
This year, the standstill hinges on President Donald Trump’s demands for $5.7 billion to fund his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall. In order to obtain these funds, Trump has refused to approve any spending plan without a sum specifically allocated to build the wall. Democrats, who currently maintain a majority in the House and therefore hold fiscal power in Congress, have called the wall an “ineffective and expensive” solution to the immigration issue. Neither party seems likely to give in to the demands of the other, and it is this tension that has dealt a heavy blow to many American workers and local residents.
The effects of the shutdown have been widespread and far-reaching. Left without funding, a total of nine federal departments and smaller agencies have closed. In addition to the around 800,000 federal workers who have been furloughed or forced to work without pay, there are millions of Americans suffering from the loss of government services.
IRS tax refunds may be delayed, the Food and Drug Administration has stopped its routine inspection of several foods at high risk of contamination, Americans cannot obtain passports or discuss tax issues with the IRS, government websites are down, and of course, potential visitors to the national zoo, Smithsonian museums, and other D.C. tourist attractions are disappointed at closings.
Hundreds more Marylanders are seeking unemployment insurance benefits because of a lack of pay during the government shutdown. After all, about one in six full-time federal workers live in the Washington D.C. metro area; the shutdown is a national issue that directly affects our county community because of its proximity to the capital.
In an effort to support the local community, many businesses and county systems have come together to provide relief to those in need. In addition to allowing students with negative account balances to enjoy traditional breakfast and lunch choices at no cost through the Dine with Dignity Program, Montgomery County Public Schools has held two employment open houses for furloughed federal employees and contractors.
Organizations like the Manna Food Center, Shepherd’s Table, and Women Who Care Ministries have been providing food and clothing assistance. But most importantly, residents are actively fundraising and donating to support those experiencing financial hardship as a result of the shutdown. Montgomery County Council President Nancy Navarro encouraged residents to actively engage in fundraising and donation efforts. “Montgomery County remains open for business and we join with Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and our nonprofit partners to support our residents,” she told Fox 5.
One thing those impacted by the shutdown can look forward to is the probability of reimbursed pay. Congress has ensured after past shutdowns that federal employees working without income are compensated retroactively, even those who were told to stay at home.
Historically, shutdowns seem to end when public frustration with inaction reaches a certain point and is heard by either Congress or the president. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll, 53 percent of those surveyed regard Trump and congressional Republicans as mainly responsible for the shutdown situation, but 42 percent of these same respondents believe that Democrats should take initiative and financially support the border wall in order to end the shutdown.
Regardless of public opinion, however, the partial shutdown still persists, and little noticeable progress has been made to bring it to an end. Both Trump and congressional Democrats are willing to hold out, believing that they are doing what is in America’s best interest. But if this is truly their intention, then shouldn’t the needs of Americans who have been overlooked in the impasse be the main focus?
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Elena Moore of Damascus High School