The government has a lot of working parts and these working parts can often struggle to agree. On Sunday morning, President Trump threatened to shut down the government if democratic congressional members do not vote for changes and additions to border security.
President Trump has been pushing his border wall since his election in 2016. Many Democrats are against it, along with many of the changes he wants to make to our immigration system.
The biggest problem in place is the fact a government shutdown is possible. Many people, though, do not know what a government shutdown means.
When the government shuts down, it is essentially when Congress fails to vote on a budget for the next fiscal year. In this case, a big disagreement is the immigration aspect of the upcoming budget. If they don’t come up with a budget that fits the President’s desires, the government will shut down until they agree on a budget.
During the time the government is shut down, anyone employed by the government will not receive pay and will not be required to work. This includes Federal Department workers, for example, those in the Department of Education, Commerce, etc. Though some members are crucial, military personnel work and are sometimes paid late, as do members of the Social Security Administration and more. Congressional members continue to get paid, though many pledge to donate or refuse their pay.
Historically it is rare that unpaid government employees will not be back paid. It does cost taxpayers some paid leave essentially, but we also do not have electricity expenses. It is not perfectly balanced, but there are lots of things that go into the cost of the government every day.
When we vote in our congressional elections, we are picking the people who present a budget and work through it and so it makes it important for us as voters to stay educated and vote every opportunity we get.
We ultimately have to stand for the decisions our government makes. It is their job, whether they do or don’t, to vote the way their constituents say they should. In the end, what happens is not just their fault but our own. We need to make sure we hold our government accountable for everything they do. We hold the power, despite popular belief. They serve us and it is why we pay taxes.
So as we watch our government make decisions in the next few weeks, try not to feel too panicked if you hear talk about a government shutdown. It isn’t the end of the world and we will make it.
It isn’t preferred, but it’s going to be alright. Just stay informed and remember, if you do not like what is happening you have the power to make a difference!
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Staff Writer