After Senators failed to pass legislation raising the debt ceiling on Monday, lawmakers face increased pressure in their negotiations. If they do not come to an agreement by Friday, October 1, the U.S. will experience another government shutdown.
The federal government has shut down 20 times since 1976, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and it has several obvious effects in citizens’ everyday lives. Many federal employees are furloughed, and national parks either close or aren’t maintained. Medicare applicants cannot get approval, and no one can get new social security cards. If the shutdown lasts long enough, “food stamp” benefits could halt, as well.
