Free Daily Headlines :

  • COVID-19
  • Vaccine Info
  • Money
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Justice
  • More
    • Environment
    • Economic Development
    • Gaming
    • Investigations
    • Social Services
    • TRANSPORTATION
  • Opinion
    • CT Viewpoints
    • CT Artpoints
DONATE
Reflecting Connecticut’s Reality.
    COVID-19
    Vaccine Info
    Money
    Politics
    Education
    Health
    Justice
    More
    Environment
    Economic Development
    Gaming
    Investigations
    Social Services
    TRANSPORTATION
    Opinion
    CT Viewpoints
    CT Artpoints

LET�S GET SOCIAL

Show your love for great stories and out standing journalism

Federal government shuts down

  • by Ana Radelat
  • October 1, 2013
  • View as "Clean Read" "Exit Clean Read"

Washington — The federal government shut down today at 12:01 a.m. after a day of high drama on Capitol Hill and the failure to end a partisan impasse over a series of short-term spending bills.

“This is a sad day for America,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Beginning today, about  7,000 federal workers in Connecticut will at least temporarily lose their paychecks — although military personnel and “essential employees” will continue to work and some 2,000 members of the Armed Forces will continue to get paid.

Some government services, such as help from the IRS or the Social Security Administration, won’t be available, and most new federal funds for Connecticut’s state government and its defense contractors will stop. 

Disruptions in federal nutrition programs and other social services are also expected, especially if the shutdown lasts longer than about a week. Applications of federally backed mortgages and federal loans will face delays.

The shutdown occurred because the Democratic-controlled Senate insisted on a short-term “continuing resolution” that would fund the government at current levels until Nov. 15.

The House, however, approved three bills that would continue government operations until Dec. 15 but either defund Obamacare, postpone its implementation for a year or stall the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty. The Senate rejected all of them.

“Some 50 tea party members of the House are holding the economy hostage to their belief we should repeal the health care bill,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.

The last House bill the Senate rejected Monday night would also have taken away subsidies for members of Congress that would have helped them purchase insurance on state health exchanges that are open today. The Affordable Care Act contains a provision that members of Congress, and most congressional staff, must buy their health insurance on exchanges, instead of through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, which offers more than 200 policies.

As the deadline for a shutdown loomed late Monday, Republican House leaders — for the first time — sought to set up negotiations with the Senate over a compromise.

But Reid said the offer to negotiate was “just a subterfuge to satisfy the tea party-driven Republicans.”

“We will not go to conference until we get a clean (continuing budget resolution),” Reid said. “We will not go to conference with a gun to our heads.”

Murphy, however, said he was optimistic that the House would eventually approve a continuing resolution that the Senate would accept because each time it voted out a bill, its anti-Affordable Care Act provisions were weaker and weaker.

“The fact that the House continues to back off and back off is a sign,” Murphy said.

Also, Republican moderates have been getting more nervous about the situation, thinking a shutdown would hurt them politically as the last one that began at the end of 1995 did.

“I saw that movie back in 1995, I know how it ends,” said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

According to the Congressional Research Service, there have been 17 federal government shutdowns since 1977. Most lasted three days or less.

But the last shutdown lasted three weeks, from Dec. 16, 1995, through Jan. 5, 1996.

“This kind of brinksmanship is sad if you believe in the institution,” said Rep. John Larson, D-1st District.

But like most Democrats, Larson blamed his Republican colleagues, especially about 50 tea party members, for the shutdown.

“This is what can happen when a small segment within the government is at war with itself,” he said.

Earlier Monday, the Senate rejected House legislation that would keep the federal government running, but also would have delayed implementation of Obamacare for a year. The measure would also have eliminated the medical device tax that helps pay for the Affordable Care Act.

Democrats, including President Barack Obama, have warned of the dire consequences of a shutdown, especially in a recovering economy.

“A shutdown will have a very real economic impact right now,” Obama said.

Government services that will continue despite the shutdown include Medicare and Social Security payments. Amtrak, which is heavily subsidized by the federal government, said it could keep running its trains in the Northeast, for now.

The U.S. Postal Service will continue to function, although there will be delays. Federal air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officials will keep the airports open. Federal court will continue to hear criminal cases.

Meanwhile, thousands of congressional workers are laid off without pay. The 27th Amendment to the Constitution protects the salaries of members of Congress, but not those of their workers.

Individual lawmakers will decide which staffers are “essential” and require them to work without pay.

At least one Connecticut lawmaker, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3rd District, decided that all of her staff is essential. She said Monday, “Should Republicans in the House of Representatives lead us into a shutdown at midnight, assisting my constituents and participating in the legislative process will still be my top priorities. My staff is essential to continuing those constitutional responsibilities and will remain on the job.”

Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, is also keeping his entire staff working. But Murphy plans to furlough two-thirds of his staff.

Sign up for CT Mirror's free daily news summary.

Free to Read. Not Free to Produce.

The Connecticut Mirror is a nonprofit newsroom. 90% of our revenue comes from people like you. If you value our reporting please consider making a donation. You'll enjoy reading CT Mirror even more knowing you helped make it happen.

YES, I'LL DONATE TODAY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ana Radelat

SEE WHAT READERS SAID

RELATED STORIES
Gas pipeline will threaten water quality, wildlife and wetlands
by Susan Eastwood

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has granted tentative approval of the 401 water quality certification for the Pomfret to Killingly natural gas pipeline. I urge DEEP to deny the 401 certification, as the proposed pipeline would violate the Connecticut’s water quality standards, and the conditions in the draft certification fail to protect our streams, wetlands, and wildlife.

Connecticut and the other Connecticut. Which will endure?
by Ezra Kaprov

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Connecticut’? Possibly, you think of a 43-year-old Puerto Rican man who arrived here with his family following Hurricane Maria. He works full-time as a machinist at the Sikorsky plant, and he coaches a prizefighter on the side.

COVID-19 increases urgency for legislature to pass medical aid-in-dying law
by Dr. Gary Blick

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the profound tragedy of loved ones dying alone, in a hospital or nursing home, without the care and comfort of loved ones surrounding them. This pandemic also demonstrates the fragility of life, the limits of modern medicine to relieve suffering, and has magnified the systemic racial disparities in our healthcare system, resulting in higher hospitalization and death rates for people in communities of color. We must eradicate these disparities, so everyone has equal access to the full range of end-of-life care options.

Three fallacies and the truth about vaccines
by Kerri M. Raissian, Ph.D. and Dr. Jody Terranova

Connecticut’s Public Health Committee recently heard public testimony regarding HB6423 and SB568 --  bills that would remove the religious exemption (the medical exemption would rightfully remain in place) from vaccination in order to attend school.  The religious exemption allows parents to effectively opt their children out of vaccines. In doing so, these families can still send their children to Connecticut’s schools, daycares, colleges, and camps.  This places other children at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable illnesses, and it is imperative the Connecticut legislature remove this exception.

Black and Hispanic residents continue to be vaccinated against COVID at lower rates than white residents
by Kasturi Pananjady and Jenna Carlesso

Among those 65 and older, the rate of vaccination for white residents was 39%, compared to 21% for Black residents.

Support Our Work

Show your love for great stories and outstanding journalism.

$
Select One
  • Monthly
  • Yearly
  • Once
Artpoint painter
CT ViewpointsCT Artpoints
Opinion Gas pipeline will threaten water quality, wildlife and wetlands
by Susan Eastwood

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has granted tentative approval of the 401 water quality certification for the Pomfret to Killingly natural gas pipeline. I urge DEEP to deny the 401 certification, as the proposed pipeline would violate the Connecticut’s water quality standards, and the conditions in the draft certification fail to protect our streams, wetlands, and wildlife.

Opinion Connecticut and the other Connecticut. Which will endure?
by Ezra Kaprov

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘Connecticut’? Possibly, you think of a 43-year-old Puerto Rican man who arrived here with his family following Hurricane Maria. He works full-time as a machinist at the Sikorsky plant, and he coaches a prizefighter on the side.

Opinion COVID-19 increases urgency for legislature to pass medical aid-in-dying law
by Dr. Gary Blick

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed the profound tragedy of loved ones dying alone, in a hospital or nursing home, without the care and comfort of loved ones surrounding them. This pandemic also demonstrates the fragility of life, the limits of modern medicine to relieve suffering, and has magnified the systemic racial disparities in our healthcare system, resulting in higher hospitalization and death rates for people in communities of color. We must eradicate these disparities, so everyone has equal access to the full range of end-of-life care options.

Opinion Three fallacies and the truth about vaccines
by Kerri M. Raissian, Ph.D. and Dr. Jody Terranova

Connecticut’s Public Health Committee recently heard public testimony regarding HB6423 and SB568 --  bills that would remove the religious exemption (the medical exemption would rightfully remain in place) from vaccination in order to attend school.  The religious exemption allows parents to effectively opt their children out of vaccines. In doing so, these families can still send their children to Connecticut’s schools, daycares, colleges, and camps.  This places other children at risk of contracting vaccine-preventable illnesses, and it is imperative the Connecticut legislature remove this exception.

Artwork Grand guidance
by Anne:Gogh

In a world of systemic oppression aimed towards those of darker skintones – representation matters. We are more than our equity elusive environments, more than numbers in a prison and much more than victims of societal dispositions. This piece depicts a melanated young man draped in a cape ascending high above multiple forms of oppression. […]

Artwork Shea
by Anthony Valentine

Shea is a story about race and social inequalities that plague America. It is a narrative that prompts the question, “Do you know what it’s like to wake up in new skin?”

Artwork The Declaration of Human Rights
by Andres Chaparro

Through my artwork I strive to create an example of ideas that reflect my desire to raise social consciousness, and cultural awareness. Jazz music is the catalyst to all my work, and plays a major influence in each piece of work.”

Artwork ‘A thing of beauty. Destroy it forever’
by Richard DiCarlo | Derby

During times like these it’s often fun to revisit something familiar and approach things with a different slant. I have been taking some Pop culture and Art masterpieces and applying the vintage 1960’s and 70’s classic figures (Fisher Price, little people) to the make an amusing pieces. Here is my homage to Fisher -Price, Yellow […]

Twitter Feed
A Twitter List by CTMirror

Engage

  • Reflections Tickets & Sponsorships
  • Events
  • Donate
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
  • Submit to Viewpoints
  • Submit to ArtPoints
  • Economic Indicator Dashboard
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Commenting Guidelines
  • Legal Notices
  • Contact Us

About

  • About CT Mirror
  • Announcements
  • Board
  • Staff
  • Sponsors and Funders
  • Donors
  • Friends of CT Mirror
  • History
  • Financial
  • Policies
  • Strategic Plan

Opportunity

  • Advertising and Sponsorship
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Use of Photography
  • Work for Us

Go Deeper

  • Steady Habits Podcast
  • Economic Indicator Dashboard
  • Five Things

The Connecticut News Project, Inc. 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. Phone: 860-218-6380

© Copyright 2021, The Connecticut News Project. All Rights Reserved. Website by Web Publisher PRO