Over the weekend, the government avoided its 15th shutdown since 1980...for now. The short-term stop-gap spending bill gives Congress 45 days to pass a more robust budget. As Glenn explains, many Republicans and Democrats have been weaponizing the imminent shutdown to force the passage of omnibus bills, resulting in deficit spending and programs that aren't in the best interests of the American people.
But would a government shutdown be all that bad? Glenn argues that ALL taxpayers should want a shutdown. If Congress were to pass their current budget, the federal deficit would DOUBLE. What exactly would happen if Congress did not pass a massive deficit budget by October 1st? As Glenn explains, the world would NOT come crumbling down, and the government would be forced to STOP spending YOUR taxpayer dollars on projects that are harmful to the American people.
Below is a list Glenn read on-air that outlines exactly what will happen if the government shuts down.
1. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' jobs report could be delayed this month.
2.The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service will have to cut back.
3.The Federal Reserve activity will be unaffected.
4.The Federal Trade Commission will stop the vast bulk of its competition and consumer protection investigations.
5.The Security and Exchange Commission will not review or improve registrations from investment advisers, broker dealers, transfer agents, rating organizations, investment companies, and municipal advisers.
6.The IRS has not released this plan for the potential shutdown. However, previous plans have said the IRS would use funds from Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act to keep employees paid and working.
7.A shutdown would create increased risk that FEMA's relief funds could be depleted. (Though if large catastrophic disasters were to occur during the shutdown, they would very easily pass funding for that).
8.The Department of the Interior will retain limited discretion to use permits for energy projects on federal lands and waters, when user fees are attached.
9.Most EPA-led inspections at hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water at chemical facilities, are going to stop.
10.The Energy Information Administration will continue to collect and publish snapshots of the U.S. oil inventory on schedule.
11.Nuclear Regulatory Commission will continue to maintain nuclear sites. However, they will stop all licensing of new nuclear facilities.
12.Air traffic controllers and TSA officers will be working without pay (they will be paid, just not on time).
13.Amtrak will keep transporting the estimated 12 passengers that regularly use the service.
14.Passport and visas will still be issued.
15.Efforts to defend the nation and conduct ongoing military operations will continue.
16.Burials and tours at Arlington National Cemetery will continue.
17.COVID-19 response research, including vaccine and therapeutic development by the U.S. government, will continue.
18.The National Institute of Health might have to postpone clinical trials for diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's.
19. Food stamps for low income people, the disabled, and others could be delayed.
20.Most National Parks will be closed along with the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art, Cemeteries, Monuments, and visitor centers.
21.The Capitol Police will work without pay (again, they will be paid, just not on time).
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