U.S. GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN

 

The United States federal government has been shut down until further notice. This shutdown started because members of Congress could not agree on a plan to fund the government’s basic operations before the deadline, which means that a large amount of government work has to stop, and many federal workers have been sent home.

 

Every year, Congress must pass laws that allocate money to federal agencies. A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass the laws that fund government operations on time. When they miss the deadline, the money runs out, and the federal government has to halt all non-essential work.

 

Even for people who are unfamiliar with government shutdowns recognize it as a significant issue. A high school senior, Julisa Macias, feels confused and frustrated by the politics and what’s happening with the shutdown. Macias says, “I feel like the world is ending.” She also adds that it’s essential for students to learn about the shutdown because, as she says, “We’re living through it.”

 

Mrs. Spier, a teacher at Norte Vista High School, shares her worries about the shutdown. She talks about how elected officials are failing to do their jobs. “My biggest concern is that people aren’t getting paid, and money is important because the government is not doing its elected job, which is to represent the people and make sure that we’re running effectively,” Spier says.

 

The government will stay closed until Congress and the president agree on a new funding bill and sign it into law. Until a deal is reached, there will be a lot of pressure on the government to end the shutdown and continue doing essential work. “It’s going to impact the workers of the federal government the most, because they’re the ones who have to either work with no pay, or they’re the ones who are getting sent home with no pay” – Mrs. Spier.