A government shutdown has once again emerged in the US, raising the possibility of a disruption to the country’s federal services. US President Donald Trump suffered a major setback when a temporary funding bill failed to garner the necessary support in the Senate. The bill required sixty votes to pass, but only fifty-five votes were received, resulting in its rejection.
What does a government shutdown mean?
When consensus cannot be reached on the US government’s annual spending bill, the government legally runs out of funds. This situation forces it to suspend non-essential services, a process known as a government shutdown. During this period, only essential services, such as medical services, law enforcement, and border security, can continue.
Services will be shut down, with a direct impact on employees.
According to government data, approximately 800,000 federal employees could be placed on leave without pay. The Department of Health and Human Services has already planned to furlough 41% of its staff. Many national parks, museums, and government websites could be temporarily closed. Air services may also be affected, potentially leading to flight delays.
Trump Can Take Advantage of This Situation
Political analysts believe that President Trump could take advantage of this situation to implement stricter policies. A shutdown occurred during his tenure in 2018, lasting for 430 days and the longest in US history. Now, once again, there are indications that he may take steps to shut down several projects or lay off employees.
Shutdowns Have Happened Many Times in History
The US has experienced government shutdowns many times before. Since 1984, the government has faced shutdowns more than two dozen times. The longest shutdown occurred in 2018, during Donald Trump’s tenure, lasting 430 days.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Government shutdowns pose not only an economic but also a social and political crisis. They impact the lives of millions of employees and can also impact the country’s economy. Now everyone’s eyes are fixed on whether an agreement is reached between the Trump administration and the Congress or this crisis deepens further.