Shutdown

The American government is currently on shutdown. It is entering its third week as lawmakers from opposing parties still could not agree on US President Donald Trump’s budget for a wall he wants constructed along the border with Mexico, to prevent the illegal crossing of people into the US which according to him are mostly criminals. Trump is asking for $5.6 billion, while Democrats are only willing to give a little more than a billion dollars for border security.

A “shutdown” occurs when lawmakers from both houses of Congress cannot agree on budget issues for the government. When there is a shutdown, important agencies continue to operate like the military, firefighters, immigration, and border security, but they will not be paid their salaries. Employees of less important agencies such as those in the museums and national parks are sent home on furlough without wages.

What is happening now in America is only a partial shutdown, as the military and other important agencies are still getting paid. But more than eight hundred thousand federal employees have been sent home. Lawmakers are still at a standstill, because Trump is not agreeing to anything under his demand of $5.6 billion for his concrete wall.

A compromise agreement was almost signed, but certain lobbyists were able to convince Trump to stand his ground. Trump threatens to close the government for a few months, or years, which he claims is necessary. I wonder how federal employees on furlough are reacting to a statement like that. The issue will definitely polarize an already divided nation. The whole world is watching this drama unfolding in the US, particularly who will blink first.

I sincerely doubt something like that would ever happen here. Even though there is currently an issue regarding the alleged insertions in the budget and the issue of conflict of interest, there will be no shutdown since members of both the Senate and Congress are mostly allied with the current administration who want their money, and there seems to be no such thing as conflict of interest with this administration.

The opposition does not have the numbers to voice their dissent on issues, especially on the budget. There may be hearings that supposedly delay the passing of the budget, but it will be passed. When there is a threat of wages not being paid to government employees, we are sure to see protests and strikes. No one will work without being paid. Just ask the NAIA immigration officers.

Unlike American employees that may just shake their heads and go home. Whatever happens, our lawmakers will get their money, come hell or high water, which incidentally we go through during the dry and wet seasons. Imagine that.