Government Shutdown Looms Affecting Thousands of Paychecks

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The Capitol in Washington, is framed by early morning clouds, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, as negotiators from Congress and the White House scramble to complete work on funding government agencies for the fiscal year and avoid a partial shutdown that could begin this weekend. Lawmakers have reached agreement on five of the six spending bills needed, but they clashed on funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for securing and managing U.S. borders. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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As the clock ticks closer to a potential government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Congress and the White House scramble to finalize spending legislation. Despite reaching an agreement on the fiscal year’s budget, time is running short to prevent a disruption that could sideline federal services and leave workers unpaid.

The impending deadline puts essential functions and numerous federal employees at risk, with a short shutdown looming as a likely scenario. A shutdown could be brief if it coincides with the expiration of current spending laws for key agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of the Treasury. In such a case, Congress could use the weekend to negotiate a resolution.

However, uncertainty remains, with potential impacts on essential services and workers crucial to public safety and national security. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid services remain funded separately, ensuring uninterrupted benefits.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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