Federal government begins first shutdown in 17 years
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Members of the media stand
outside House Speaker John A. Boehner's office at the U.S. Capitol.
(Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg / September 30, 2013)
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WASHINGTON – With the House
and Senate locked in stalemate, the Office of Management and Budget
formally began shutting down the government late Monday, ordering
federal agencies to prepare for funding to expire and to execute
contingency plans.
"Unfortunately, we do not have a clear indication that Congress will act in time for the president to sign a continuing resolution
before the end of the day tomorrow, Oct. 1, 2013. Therefore, agencies
should now execute plans for an orderly shutdown due to the absence of
appropriations,” wrote OMB director Sylvia M. Burwell in a memorandum circulated at 11:45 p.m. Eastern time.
The federal government was shut down twice in 1995-96, when Bill Clinton was president and Newt Gingrich was the speaker of the House, but has not closed since then.
IN-DEPTH: 800,000 to be furloughed; military will still be paid
Burwell, as President Obama did repeatedly Monday, urged Congress to pass short-term legislation that would extend the funding for the remainder of the fiscal year and "restore the operation of critical public services and programs that will be impacted by a lapse in appropriations."
In a message broadcast to U.S. military personnel at midnight, Obama said, "Unfortunately, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility. It has failed to pass a budget and, as a result, much of our government must now shut down until Congress funds it again."
The Office of Management and Budget will provide further guidance for federal employees, Burwell said. Many employees were planning to go to work for part of the day Tuesday to collect belongings and return federal equipment, such as phones or computers. Those workers deemed exempt from the order will continue to work.
"We greatly appreciate your cooperation and the work you and your agencies do on behalf of the American people," Burwell wrote.
MORE:
The federal government was shut down twice in 1995-96, when Bill Clinton was president and Newt Gingrich was the speaker of the House, but has not closed since then.
IN-DEPTH: 800,000 to be furloughed; military will still be paid
Burwell, as President Obama did repeatedly Monday, urged Congress to pass short-term legislation that would extend the funding for the remainder of the fiscal year and "restore the operation of critical public services and programs that will be impacted by a lapse in appropriations."
In a message broadcast to U.S. military personnel at midnight, Obama said, "Unfortunately, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility. It has failed to pass a budget and, as a result, much of our government must now shut down until Congress funds it again."
The Office of Management and Budget will provide further guidance for federal employees, Burwell said. Many employees were planning to go to work for part of the day Tuesday to collect belongings and return federal equipment, such as phones or computers. Those workers deemed exempt from the order will continue to work.
"We greatly appreciate your cooperation and the work you and your agencies do on behalf of the American people," Burwell wrote.
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Comments (124)
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payasugo at 1:26 AM October 01, 2013
Those against a shut down include Mitt Romney,
Karl Rove, Bill O'Reilly, Jeb Bush, Newt Gingrich, Sen. John MCain,
fifteen other Republican Senators and six Republican Governors.
Those in favor of a shut down, the Tea Party.
Those who will be most adversely affected, average Americans.
If the Tea Party really had a set of balls, they would not only attack Obamacare, but also Social Security and Medicare, the two most costly Socialistic programs in the USA.
Those in favor of a shut down, the Tea Party.
Those who will be most adversely affected, average Americans.
If the Tea Party really had a set of balls, they would not only attack Obamacare, but also Social Security and Medicare, the two most costly Socialistic programs in the USA.
Ubiquitousnewt at 1:15 AM October 01, 2013
Defund the millitary and bring them home, too. Watch how fast the Republicans cave THEN.
Because let's make no mistake - the "shutdown" is stupid. It defunds a lot of productive operations while still making no dent in either Obamacare nor the general deficit.
Because let's make no mistake - the "shutdown" is stupid. It defunds a lot of productive operations while still making no dent in either Obamacare nor the general deficit.
ELChocko at 12:54 AM October 01, 2013
OH MY GOD... who the hell cares.... whossie at work...for Boy Prez Barry.... shut it down Barry you empty suit!!
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