The federal government of the United States has officially shut down, leaving many Americans wondering how we got to this point. ABC News’ Jay O’Brien has been closely following the events leading up to this shutdown and is here to explain the situation.
The shutdown, which began on December 22nd, is the result of a disagreement between the two major political parties over funding for a border wall between the US and Mexico. President Donald Trump has been pushing for $5 billion in funding for the wall, while Democrats have refused to approve any budget that includes money for the wall.
This disagreement has led to a stalemate, with neither side willing to budge. As a result, many government agencies have been forced to close their doors, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay and disrupting important services for the American people.
So how did we get here? It all started back in September when Congress passed a temporary spending bill to keep the government running until December 7th. This bill did not include funding for the border wall, but President Trump promised to veto any budget that did not include the $5 billion he requested.
As the December 7th deadline approached, it became clear that there was still no agreement on the border wall funding. In an effort to avoid a shutdown, Congress passed another temporary spending bill that would keep the government running until December 21st. However, this bill also did not include funding for the wall.
With the December 21st deadline looming, President Trump once again threatened to veto any budget that did not include funding for the wall. This led to a last-minute scramble by Congress to come up with a compromise. However, no agreement could be reached and the government officially shut down on December 22nd.
The effects of this shutdown are already being felt across the country. National parks and museums have closed, causing disappointment for many families who had planned holiday trips. The IRS has also announced that tax refunds may be delayed, causing concern for many Americans who rely on these refunds to pay bills and make major purchases.
But perhaps the most concerning aspect of this shutdown is the impact it is having on federal employees. Around 800,000 workers have been furloughed or are working without pay, including those in essential services such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard. These hardworking individuals are now facing financial uncertainty during what should be a joyous time of year.
Despite the challenges and frustrations caused by this shutdown, there is still hope for a resolution. Both sides have expressed a willingness to negotiate and find a compromise. In fact, just before the shutdown began, the Senate passed a bill that would have kept the government running until February 8th, giving more time for negotiations. However, President Trump refused to sign the bill without funding for the border wall.
It is clear that both parties need to come together and find a solution that will end this shutdown and provide much-needed stability for federal employees and the American people. As Jay O’Brien points out, “This shutdown is not just about politics, it’s about real people and their livelihoods.”
In the meantime, many Americans are stepping up to help those affected by the shutdown. Restaurants and businesses are offering free meals and services to federal employees, and individuals are donating to food banks and setting up fundraisers to support those in need.
It is heartwarming to see the American spirit of unity and compassion in the face of adversity. As we enter a new year, let us hope that our leaders will also come together and find a solution to end this shutdown. The American people deserve a government that works for them, and it is time for our leaders to put aside their differences and work towards a brighter future for all.
