The government has officially shut down.
Late last night congress reached a standstill because of their inability to come to a proper agreement over this fiscal spending year (October 1 to September 30th). Congress key job is to pass the spending bills that fund the government. When they can’t agree to a compromise, most gov’t controlled agencies freeze—Social Security, Air Traffic Control, Active Military, and Congress (go figure) will still be funded.
The shut down stems from the republican-controlled House and the Democratic-controlled senate’s inability to agree to a feasible consensus on Obamacare–a bill that will allows the many Americans living without health care and those with pre-existing medical ailments to not be denied health care.
In order for a compromise to occur the Republicans want provisions made to this bill that takes away the many benefits this bill has because leader of the pack, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz believes this new bill will only bring the country into further financial turmoil.
Neither side is budging so a shut down was made immediately by President Obama. This is the first shut down since 1995 which lasted 21 days into 1996. According to CNN over 800,000 government employees will be in furlough–absence of work without pay–until an agreement can be made. Non-government jobs wont be affected but in the long-run we all take a hit.
Flip the page to see what major businesses will turn their lights out and send their workers home today.
Photo Credit: NY Daily News
All park services are being shut down to traffic and most parks with be inaccessible to anyone. Campers have 48-hours to leave the park grounds. Only parks that aren’t gated with entrance stations will remain open to bikers, hikers, and driving.The Smithsonian museums in Washington DC will be closed along with the zoo.
Major Recreational Areas off Limits
Yellowstone
Loop Road at Acadia National Park
Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park
Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
Grand Canyon National Park
Statue of Liberty in NYC
Ellis Island
Alcatraz Island
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
Board of Veterans Appeal
New disability claims for veterans have to wait longer to get a decision.
Photo Credit: Military Mental Health
Health
255 cancer patients trials will be halted, but current patients will continue to be cared for. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be limited in disease outbreak investigation and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will only inspect high-risk recalls and meat inspections.
Photo Credit: Elev8
Airline and Car Safety
While the airports will still function, passenger complaints won’t be handled during this period. Automobile recall, safety testing, and ratings will have to wait as well.
While Americans will still be expected to pay and file their taxes, all IRS audits are suspended as well as their toll-free lines.
Photo Credit: Smart Givers
WIC
The Women, Infants, and Children program known as WIC will shut their doors after their reserves run out. New clients won’t be admitted.
Photo Credit: DOH State
Two Week Halt
If the shut down last more than 2 weeks tourist business will be severely affected by the closure of parks, museums, and major landmarks.
Photo Credit: Association Now