Community Corner
Who Do You Blame for the Federal Shutdown?
Congress couldn't reach a spending agreement by its midnight Tuesday deadline, effectively closing the U.S. government. Who's fault is it, and will it affect you?
It's official: The U.S. federal government is closed for business.
Congress could not reach a spending agreement by the midnight ET Tuesday, Oct. 1, deadline, gridlocked along party lines over funding the Affordable Care Act, according to The Associated Press. The Senate will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
So what is the immediate fallout of the shutdown? Here are a few of the immediate effects, according to the Huffington Post:
- About 800,000 federal workers will be furloughed.
- Approval for applications for government-backed mortgages could be delayed.
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) could shut down.
- Paychecks for active duty military could be delayed.
- Delays could happen processing disability applications.
- National parks and museums will close.
- The stock market could continue to drop after Monday's preemptive fall.
The mail and Social Security and Medicare benefit payments will continue, and yes, you will still have to pay your taxes (although the IRS toll-free help line will be shut down).
YOUR TURN: Will you be affected by the government shutdown? If so, tell us how in the comments section. Also, take the poll in this article on who you blame for the shutdown. You can share why in the comments section.
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