If you are reading this welcome to the new millennium of our fractured U.S. government.
Now, with the government “shut down” what exactly does this mean and more importantly, will anyone notice? Though this did indeed happen before, most recently in 1995, the battle waged on Capital Hill is quite different from previous shut downs. Now, instead of just Republicans and Democrats fighting the main war is being waged inside the Republican party, where factionalized members are fighting with more moderate Republicans.
Work for the government? Don’t go to work.
If you are one of over 800,000 “non-essential” people who work for the U.S. government, you are now not going to work. This means you won’t get paid either.
Want to buy a home? Think again.
If you are a first time home buyer and need a mortgage, chances are you can’t do it until the government shut down is over. The Federal Housing Administration will be closed.
Need a visa or passport?
Sorry, you won’t be able to get a visa or passport while the shutdown is ongoing.
Love national parks? How about zoos and musuems?
Once there is a shutdown, you can’t go to any of the 401 U.S. national parks. They will be closed. Ditto for all natonal zoos and museums.
Will the shutdown cost taxpayers money?
Yes. The Office of Management and Budget reports there will be a cost of $2 billion due to a government shutdown.
Will federal employees including the military get paid back later?
Years ago, when there was a similar government shut down, almost 22 years ago, people did NOT get their back pay,
How about that new gun you had your eye on?
Guess you will have to wait, since Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will be closed.
Is social security ok?
Yes, it will be payed.
How about government loans to small business owners?
You are out of luck. And, if you expect a federal loan for your home purchase, this too will not occur until the shut down ends.
Washington D.C - will smell.
Yes, the trash will NOT be collected in Washington, D.C. during
this shut down. But hey - smelling something sour in our nation's capital may not be anything shocking to many. Mayor Gray of D.C. just announced he wants to make all employees "essential" so they show up to work - but two decades ago, this did not happen.
The Post office is open.
Updates to follow.
