The government shutdown in the United States is entering its third week, as of this writing. Despite huge pressure from politicians, businesses, and the public, Congress and the President have so far failed to break the impasse that has put thousands of federal workers out of work and pushed millions of Americans to the brink of financial ruin.
The shutdown began on December 22, 2018, when a lack of agreement between the White House and Congressional leaders prevented a spending deal from being passed. Despite ongoing negotiations, the disagreement remains unresolved, meaning the shutdown continues.
A looming deadline of the 21st of November could finally end this agonizing saga. If a government spending agreement is not passed by midnight on the 21st, it’s likely that the shutdown will become the longest in U.S. history.
This has caused many to worry about what will happen to critical government services such as Social Security payments and income tax refunds, if the shutdown persists.
First, it’s important to understand that Social Security payments will not be affected by the government shutdown. These payments, which are made by the Social Security Administration (SSA), are funded through taxes and other dedicated sources and not through the annual budget process. This means that the payments will go out as scheduled regardless of what happens with the shutdown.
Income tax refunds on the other hand, may be affected by the shutdown. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is funded through the annual budget and is subject to the current political stalemate. If a deal is not reached, income tax refunds could be delayed.
Additionally, many parts of the federal government that are critical to the daily life of Americans will be greatly impacted if the shutdown continues. National parks, museums, and monuments are all currently closed, or operating on minimal staff. This could result in longer lines and fewer services.
The current shutdown could also have a major impact on businesses and corporations, if it continues into the new year. According to analysts, the lack of federal services could slow hiring and economic growth. This could lead to a weaker job market and a slower economic recovery.
The government shutdown has already wreaked havoc on the American people, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay and millions more living in uncertainty. With the looming deadline of the 21st of November, Congress and the President must come to an agreement soon, for the sake of the nation.
The government shutdown in the United States is entering its third week, as of this writing. Despite huge pressure from politicians, businesses, and the public, Congress and the President have so far failed to break the impasse that has put thousands of federal workers out of work and pushed millions of Americans to the brink of financial ruin.
The shutdown began on December 22, 2018, when a lack of agreement between the White House and Congressional leaders prevented a spending deal from being passed. Despite ongoing negotiations, the disagreement remains unresolved, meaning the shutdown continues.
A looming deadline of the 21st of November could finally end this agonizing saga. If a government spending agreement is not passed by midnight on the 21st, it’s likely that the shutdown will become the longest in U.S. history.
This has caused many to worry about what will happen to critical government services such as Social Security payments and income tax refunds, if the shutdown persists.
First, it’s important to understand that Social Security payments will not be affected by the government shutdown. These payments, which are made by the Social Security Administration (SSA), are funded through taxes and other dedicated sources and not through the annual budget process. This means that the payments will go out as scheduled regardless of what happens with the shutdown.
Income tax refunds on the other hand, may be affected by the shutdown. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is funded through the annual budget and is subject to the current political stalemate. If a deal is not reached, income tax refunds could be delayed.
Additionally, many parts of the federal government that are critical to the daily life of Americans will be greatly impacted if the shutdown continues. National parks, museums, and monuments are all currently closed, or operating on minimal staff. This could result in longer lines and fewer services.
The current shutdown could also have a major impact on businesses and corporations, if it continues into the new year. According to analysts, the lack of federal services could slow hiring and economic growth. This could lead to a weaker job market and a slower economic recovery.
The government shutdown has already wreaked havoc on the American people, leaving thousands of federal workers without pay and millions more living in uncertainty. With the looming deadline of the 21st of November, Congress and the President must come to an agreement soon, for the sake of the nation.
