It seems like around this time every year we are dealt with this question. Will the government shut down? Republicans and Democrats always look to push bills that can give their party a win for their constituents and donors. But what happens when both sides cannot agree? The majority leaders force a shutdown of the government.
Republicans usually get the stick when it comes to government shutdowns. Republicans control the House and will not renew the budget (that is usually passed every year) without the Democrats acquiescing to their demands. One of the large demands for example is Republicans want a house-passed border security bill. A government shutdown can seriously hurt Republicans’ chances in the 2024 elections. But the real losers in this game are the American people.
The government shutdown affects the taxpayer deeply. Without government funding, government programs are at high risk of not being able to provide for people. For instance, many analysts believe this government shutdown can seriously hurt people on medicare and social security checks. Funding and protecting our national security interests will also be at risk.
Needless to say, this will be a bad image for America, in a time where we need to flaunt our powers and show that we are returning to the world stage with a swagger. President Joe Biden will have a lot on his hands at the upcoming G20 summit where he will be discussing the issues of the war in Ukraine, trade disputes, resolutions with China. No doubt will the government shutdown also make the long list of conversations that will be taking place that day.
Is there any way to prevent this shutdown? Well of course there is. But that would mean that both the Democrats and Republicans actually come together and agree on something. When you start to put it like that, it seems so far-fetched. Nonetheless, a government shutdown is only hurting the American people. Policy makers on both sides need to take that into account as well as how it will hurt the American image if we cannot find common ground in these difficult times.
Author: Joshua Cheatham
