| January 23rd, 2018

U.S. Government Shuts Down, Sparks Concern

By: journeymagazine

By | Thaddaeus Watkins

Concerns considering the aftermath of a government shutdown sparked the nation as Congress failed to pass a spending bill midnight on Friday.

Questions regarding which governmental agencies would still be operating was most inquired. According to the Washington Post, government research operations, disaster-recovery efforts, and most federal office buildings, to name a few, will be closed.

“The museums and the zoo have funding to stay open through Sunday but will close on Monday; However, we assume the animals will still be fed.” – Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, Washington Post

“Some long-term responses to hurricanes, wildfires and mudslides would pause.” – Disaster-recovery efforts, Washington Post

“Some government research projects, such as geological and weather research, would cease. Non-governmental organizations that already received governmental grants, however, would not be affected by the shutdown.” – Many government research operations, Washington Post

On the contrary, non-governmental organizations, independent agencies, federal courts and prisons, local government buildings, including parks, libraries, and schools, and the Congress are few entities to name that will remain functioning with little to no changes. Military operations are still questionable.

Many federal employees will face the risk of being placed on a furlough. Furloughs comprise of temporary leaves without pay from their current paid jobs and involvements within organizations. In result of Congress not coming to a consensus, workers for agencies and departments that are considered nonessential will have to stop working immediately.  

Emergency Operator, Justin Johnson, provided his thoughts on the current status of the U.S. Government. Johnson’s major issue focused on the ethical aspects of the current governmental systems.

“We demand unbiased judgement from an entity that is ruled by men who is founded on bias,” said Johnson.

Johnson later provided an analogy to better showcase his perceptions on Congress.

“The government is a broken car and the laws, deemed by Congress, are the tools and pieces that are used to fix the car,” said Johnson. “The car will be fixed, temporarily, but in due time will yet again break down.”

Johnson believes that in order for an entity, such as the U.S. Government to avoid major crises issues, like a government shutdown, has to start from higher authority officials and leadership. “It’s time for a new car,” said Johnson.

Students at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University are uneasy about the current status of the long-term effects it can have on educational purposes and funding for post-secondary institutions.

Second-year business administration student, Joia Herman, is uneasy about the controversy a government shutdown could potentially bring to students nationally. “I am more concerned about the consequences and challenges students could possibly face in result of the recent action by Congress,” said Herman.

As Universities will be watching closely, college students should not see any changes regarding federal aid. Research and educational grants, however, will not receive any federal funding until changes in the government occur.

Congress is scheduled to revote Monday at noon. For additional information, citizens are advised to check news publications and media periodically for updates regarding the government shut down as Congress works diligently to implement strategies to correct the setback.