Upcoming Government SHUT DOWN has Congress Scrambling!

Summary

The video discusses the potential impact of a government shutdown on federal hiring and daily life. It explains the need for budget approval by October 1st and the common use of continuing resolutions when agreements aren't reached. The script delves into the controversy surrounding the SAVE Act's voter citizenship proof requirement and its disproportionate impact on economically disadvantaged groups. It outlines the costs of shutdowns, including halted agency productivity and delayed federal hiring processes, emphasizing the importance of financial preparedness for federal employees and the eventual resumption of operations.

Takeaways

• 📅 The federal government's fiscal year begins on October 1st, and funding must be approved by this date to avoid a shutdown.
• 🔄 Since 1997, there have been 135 continuing resolutions to temporarily fund the government due to lawmakers' inability to reach agreements on budgets.
• 🏛️ The last full budget was approved on time in 1997 under President Bill Clinton with a Republican majority Congress.
• 🗳️ The SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote, was tied to a continuing resolution, causing controversy and highlighting the issue of non-citizens in the U.S.
• 👥 Over 25 million people living in the U.S. are not citizens, a number that has grown due to issues at the southern border.
• 🏢 Federal hiring processes can be significantly disrupted during a shutdown, with new hires experiencing delays in onboarding and security clearances.
• 💼 The impact of a shutdown on federal employees can be severe, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck, as they may not receive pay during the shutdown period.
• 💵 The cost of a government shutdown is high, with agencies shutting down and employees still needing to be paid once operations resume.
• 🚫 Some individuals and businesses prefer a shutdown, viewing the government as too large, corrupt, or irresponsible with taxpayer money.
• 🔄 Resuming operations after a shutdown is not straightforward and often requires additional administrative work and costs.
• 💼 For those seeking federal jobs, the advice is to continue applying despite potential shutdowns, as hiring can still occur from insulated funds, like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Q & A

What is the deadline for the U.S. government to pass a budget to avoid a shutdown?

The deadline for the U.S. government to pass a budget is October 1st each year, marking the start of the fiscal year.

What is a Continuing Resolution (CR) and how does it relate to government funding?

A Continuing Resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure used when the full budget is not approved on time, allowing the government to continue operating until a formal budget is passed.

Why did the last full budget approval happen in 1997?

The last time a full budget was approved on time was in 1997 under President Bill Clinton, who had a cooperative relationship with a Republican majority Congress.

How many continuing resolutions have there been since 1997?

There have been 135 continuing resolutions since 1997, indicating the frequent failure of lawmakers to reach budget agreements on time.

What is the SAVE Act and how does it relate to government shutdown discussions?

The SAVE Act is a proposed law requiring proof of citizenship to vote. It was tied to a Continuing Resolution (CR) in an attempt to pass it, but this linkage contributed to the failure of the CR due to political disagreements.

Why do some Republicans support the SAVE Act?

Some Republicans support the SAVE Act because they believe it is important to ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting, citing research showing millions of non-citizens living in the U.S. and the potential for voter fraud.

What is the argument against requiring proof of citizenship for voting?

The argument against requiring proof of citizenship for voting is that it could disqualify a significant number of Americans, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged or homeless, from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

How can a government shutdown impact federal hiring processes?

A government shutdown can halt the onboarding process for new federal employees, freezing security checks and other procedures until the agency resumes normal operations.

What are some of the economic consequences of a government shutdown?

Economic consequences of a government shutdown include reduced revenue for industries needing government approvals, like craft breweries, and the cost of paying employees who are not working during the shutdown.

Why might some individuals prefer a government shutdown?

Some individuals might prefer a government shutdown due to beliefs that the government is too large, corrupt, or not spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.

What advice is given to job seekers regarding federal employment during potential shutdowns?

Job seekers are advised to continue applying for federal jobs despite potential shutdowns, as hiring may eventually resume, and to focus on improving their qualifications for desired positions.

How should current federal employees prepare for a potential government shutdown?

Current federal employees should prepare for a potential shutdown by ensuring they have savings to cover at least 3 to 6 months of living expenses, to avoid financial hardship during a shutdown.