The Last Shutdown: A Reminder of the Impact on Government Workers

President Joe Biden recently took to Twitter to remind lawmakers about the consequences of a government shutdown. He emphasized that the previous shutdown resulted in over 800,000 government workers, which accounted for more than a third of the federal workforce, being furloughed without pay. In a sarcastic tone, he added, “But enjoy your weekend.”

GOP Hard-Liners Block Funding Bills

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) made the decision to send lawmakers home after facing resistance from GOP hard-liners who blocked any attempts to initiate debates on funding bills. McCarthy expressed his frustration, stating, “This is a whole new concept of individuals that just want to burn the whole place down.”

Threats Against McCarthy’s Leadership

Some of these hard-liners, particularly Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), have even gone as far as threatening to file motions to remove McCarthy from the speaker’s chair. The situation within the GOP remains tense and uncertain.

Uncertainty for Workers

As the possibility of a government shutdown looms, it is unclear how many workers would be affected this time around. The previous shutdown, lasting 35 days from 2018 to 2019, had a significant impact on the economy. According to the Congressional Budget Office, it cost the economy approximately $3 billion.

It is crucial for lawmakers to consider the implications of a shutdown and the toll it takes on government workers and the overall economy. The consequences of such actions can have long-lasting effects that extend far beyond the political arena.