As of midnight tonight, current funding will expire without a new bill to keep the government open. Without a bipartisan deal, federal operations will stop, with some employees being classified as “excepted” and required to continue working (but without pay) and others put on furlough.
This will have wide-ranging impacts. For example, the NIH would halt in-house basic research, and patients currently enrolled in studies at its research-only hospital will continue to receive care — but no more people will be admitted. Scientists whose work relies on NIH grants will see their funding disappear, and the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency will no longer award new grants.
It will also impact the economy: Small businesses that contract with the federal government will be forced to delay or suspend projects, with many losing revenue in the meantime. And it will harm American families, including those who use on-base military services, depend on food assistance programs or travel to visit our iconic national parks.
The only way this game ends is for Democrats to join Republicans and responsible leaders in supporting a clean continuing resolution. The fact that they’re insisting on using the shutdown as leverage to force their far left policy demands shows just how out of touch and reckless they are – and the hurt they’re inflicting on Americans with their political theater. Latinos for America First urges Congress to end this political theater and pass a budget that defends American jobs, safeguards communities, protects families, and restores order.
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