In the past 10 years, our federal government has endured a government shutdown on three separate occasions (disclaimer: I worked for members of Congress through all three). As we rapidly approach September 30th, we face the very real prospect of another shutdown in 2021 – and that’s not me trying to be hyperbolic.
Through the lens of the gamesmanship on display in current news coverage, we seem to be approaching an all too familiar impasse. Federal spending for the coming year faces a September 30th deadline that congressional Democrats are eager to meet – attempting to avoid a SNAFU that could embarrassingly derail their prospects in the 2022 midterm elections. Simultaneously, congressional Republicans are balking at the prospect of passing a suspension of the national debt limit which may be reached in mid-October.
This week, in order to force the issue, majority leadership in Congress is calling for the debt limit increase to be joined with federal spending legislation. Some are describing the move as a “dare” to Republicans, hoping to saddle the minority party with fault in the case of a shutdown.
With all of that typical DC drama unfolding before us, it’s often difficult to boil down just what it really means for those of us not working in the halls of Congress. How will this impact us? What will it mean for our advocacy organizations? Why should I care?
If you’re looking for clarity on the topic, here are the top 5 things to know about shutdowns:
1. Yes, Members of Congress will still get paid.
You’re about to see quite a few memes running around the internet about Congress making sure they still get their own salary even if the government shuts down. The truth is, they don’t really have much say in the matter. Congressional pay is broadly protected under Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution – even at times when their own disagreements fail to fund the rest of the government. And as much as that may rub us the wrong way, you’ll have to take it up with James Madison and the amendment process if you want to change it. Doing so may just provide the incentive needed to overcome the invective in D.C.
2. No, The Agencies Won’t be Answering Their Phones or Emails (Mostly).
This is the most challenging impact for those in need of government services during a shutdown. Non-essential employees are literally required to turn in their government devices during a furlough. While they are furloughed, they cannot address the work they would normally do – including processing your passports. If you are in need of a critical service from a government agency, your options for help will be extremely limited – even through your Representative’s office. Yep, you guessed it, staff for members of congress are not all counted as “essential” employees. So, get busy and send your urgent paperwork in now.
3. No, We Don’t Save Money During a Shutdown
Just because the government doesn’t spend during a shutdown, doesn’t mean we save money. In large measure, it’s more expensive for the broader economy if a shutdown occurs. Economic activity is decreased or delayed, and in recent occurrences we’ve lost out on billions of dollars in GDP. If you don’t believe me, take it from the Congressional Budget Office.
4. Your Advocacy Efforts Will Come to a Standstill
Forget your agenda. There’s no air left in the room during a shutdown. All other, non-essential legislation comes to a screeching halt. Congress won’t be looking to solve other problems, the topics they do cover will be all budgeting, all the time. That means if we hit the September 30th deadline without a spending package, you will have to adjust your strategy. Position your volunteers to call for action on the budget or continuing resolution so they remain primed for action after the storm. You can continue to help volunteer advocates feel connected to the process AND keep them motivated to get back to the hard work after the impasse.
5. No Matter What: Defaulting on Our Debt is MUCH WORSE Than a Shutdown
The Chair of the Federal Reserve has called the prospect catastrophic. If the federal government signals to the world that we are unable, or unwilling, to honor our debts, the foundation of modern money systems will erode. The reality of such a failure is so grim that Congress has come together continuously to pass such measures in a bi-partisan manner. So, what if they don’t this time? Consumers will face higher interest rates, investors of all kinds will confront crashing markets, and the long economic hardship of COVID-19 could become a fond memory for many.
You may be asking: why are we even playing with this fire? Well, the two biggest chips to play in Congress are spending plans and debt limits. They are incredible tools to rein in extreme proposals from your opponents – if handled properly.
With the ever growing expenditures of the Federal government, this kind of gamesmanship isn’t going anywhere. We seem to face credit ceilings all the more frequently when we spend like drunken sailors (apologies to drunken sailors everywhere). The Budget cycle never really stops. Responsibility in citizenship needs to occur long before these dramatic clashes.
It’s time for the grown ups to weigh in – and that means citizen lobbying. Instead of calls for ideological purity, we should be calling on our elected representatives to work toward solutions every day. Otherwise, we’ll continue to face these hard realities.
Part of the Possible 