Government Shutdown

kella0708

**This is NOT meant to incite a political debate**

DH is currently training to be a Special Agent with the Department of State. His training was set to last until Feb 12th (3 days before my due date). With all the chaos in Washington, we can say goodbye to his pay check for as long as the shutdown lasts. He will be working Saturdays which will effect all the money we have spent thus far on airfare to see each other over the next few months and it may cause his final "exam" dates to extend into further into February which could mean him missing the birth of our LO.

Needless to say we are not happy and we are hoping the U.S. government can get their shit together post haste.

Just wondering if anyone is effected by the Government Shutdown?

eacarmstrong

Hugs to you! I cannot believe this is happening either...

mingaling2

I personally am not (am state funded) but many of our researchers and staff are funded by NIST, NIH, NSF, etc.  Am about to step into a meeting to activate our contingency plans.  Most projects are funded, but support staff are going to have to go home.

Oasismomma

DH is in the military, I'm a military contractor, and we live overseas. Yup, we're affected.

Luckily, with the bill passed yesterday, we will at least get DH's paycheck this month. It could be much worse, but many of our American services (including our incoming and outgoing mail service) has been closed until further notice.

RondackHiker

I've heard the WIC is shut down. Congress gets paid but there's no formula for poor babies.

I'm so angry I want to cry.

ziggy903

my sister(who i don't get along well with) now may not be able to get her passport in time for an international trip.

she's been married for over a year and forgot to change her name on her passport until two weeks before her next trip. 

i'm trying to not laugh at her and tell her that's what she gets for waiting until the last second like she does for everything.. but it's hard.

sorry for all of y'all who's livelihood this may effect.

Oasismomma

RondackHiker said:

I've heard the WIC is shut down. Congress gets paid but there's no formula for poor babies. I'm so angry I want to cry.

As of right now, overseas commissaries are still accepting WIC. Because WIC is administered on a state-by-state basis, some information may differ, but right now, we're publicizing the information that WIC benefits and jobs will be preserved through the shutdown.

I believe the announcement was made yesterday that an agreement had been reached with the USDA and WIC that the money for WIC would come from from the USDA to prevent furloughs and loss of coverage.

jenniejuniper1

Canadian here - I've been hearing about this government shutdown all morning. It gives me the chills! Hoping for my American pals that a solution is found asap. 

Also, RondackHiker: 

RondackHiker said:

I've heard the WIC is shut down. Congress gets paid but there's no formula for poor babies. I'm so angry I want to cry.

The WIC is shut down?? That makes so little sense that I'm at a loss for words. Having the most vulnerable members of society neglected sounds a lot like slipping into the dark ages to me :-( 

My thoughts are with all who are affected! 

PeachLove25

I work for the Department of Ed in DC and I am furloughed. Zero pay and sitting at home until our government decides to quick acting like children. Canada is sounding better and better!

Firefly9

Not like some people--I deal with government documents in a library, so some of the websites might not work, we might not get new item shipments from the Government Printing Office, and they might not respond to our e-mails about errors in the cataloging records.  So, things might slow down a little, but I'm not out of work until government gets their act together or anything.

VeronicaAnn143

I'm in private practice but i practice solely in federal court. They have emergency funding until 10/10 but it sucks nonetheless. Sorry to all who are affected!

Beachmommy1029

Military spouse here... Thank God we got paid yesterday.

Codypup

I am not personally affected by the shut down, but the entire topic makes me sick to my stomach. My heart goes out to those of you suffering direct reciprocations from this bullshit.

I'll stop now before I engage in a full blown political rant. 

slwprincess

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

ras26

DH and I work for a federal agency, but our positions are user fee funded, so we're working for now.  What we can work on is restricted, but we're thankful to be working.  I have lots of friends in other offices/agencies who are not as lucky.  :-( 

katykatykaty

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

boogerbearoriginal

I'm not directly impacted, but my family/friends are and it really, really sucks for some of them.

It is utterly inexcusable that our government cannot function because some people are being so ridiculous.

micaelasmakeup

DH is private but he's working now trying to figure out if any of his team will be in shut down.

Codypup

katykatykaty said:

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

It's a power play, @katykatykaty. Pure and simple. The current "reason" is officially the debt ceiling/budget issue...but the underlying current to all of this is Obamacare. 

Ok, stepping away now. If I can.

Kedra231

I'm not directly, but I know me & mine will be feeling the effects around here.

I think it should be mandatory, anytime there's a govt. shutdown, salaries & per diem stop for all of Congress.  True, they make so stinking much that they could still do it without taking a hit, but I honestly feel the majority of them are in it for the money, & they are the ones calling a halt, but yet, they're not losing any of their own personal income, so what's it really costing them to sit there with their arms crossed & do nothing?  It's wrong on so many levels.  Both sides are lacking in empathy & common sense, not to mention, failing to do the job they swore to do.  Disgusting.

katykatykaty

Codypup said:

katykatykaty said:

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

It's a power play, @katykatykaty. Pure and simple. The current "reason" is officially the debt ceiling/budget issue...but the underlying current to all of this is Obamacare. 

Ok, stepping away now. If I can.

Ha.  I'm fully aware that their reason is Obamacare (the Obamacare that has been passed and has been found constitutional).  Thanks for the explanation though. 

boogerbearoriginal

slwprincess

 

katykatykaty said:

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

I just mean that our government was DESIGNED to encourage gridlock, hence the checks and balances.  The founding fathers did not want any one branch having more power than another.  So from a political and historical perspective, when Congress is split like it is, the budget is typically the only bargaining chip that the House has to enforce their preferences, which are by nature supposed to be the preferences of the PEOPLE.  Is also the House of Representatives who holds the purse strings and if their constituents are pushing them to repeal a massive tax (which like it or not, is exactly what the ACA is according to the Supreme Court) then I can absolutely understand why it has come to this point.  Regardless on our personal views of this law, all polls indicate it is incredibly unpopular and the massive amount of constituent phone calls against it (the Capital Switchboard was overloaded)  in the last week certainly indicate that like it or not, the House is actually doing what their constituents want.  They are politicians- first and foremost, they want to get re-elected. 

edited to correct typos

BB0214

I just cannot believe that people can't get passed themselves to look for solutions so that others don't have to suffer.

notreal2

I feel bad for the people in Washington DC who won't get their trash picked up until this is over.

boogerbearoriginal

slwprincess said:

 

katykatykaty said:

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

I just mean that our government was DESIGNED to encourage gridlock, hence the checks and balances.  The founding fathers did not want any one branch having more power than another.  So from a political and historical perspective, when Congress is split like it is, the budget is typically the only bargaining chip that the House has to enforce their preferences, which are by nature supposed to be the preferences of the PEOPLE.  Is also the House of Representatives who holds the purse strings and if their constituents are pushing them to repeal a massive tax (which like it or not, is exactly what the ACA is according to the Supreme Court) then I can absolutely understand why it has come to this point.  Regardless on our personal views of this law, all polls indicate it is incredibly unpopular and the massive amount of constituent phone calls against it (the Capital Switchboard was overloaded)  in the last week certainly indicate that like it or not, the House is actually doing what their constituents want.  They are politicians- first and foremost, they want to get re-elected. 

edited to correct typos

Not sure where you get your info, but all polls have remained fairly split on whether people like/don't like ACA. So, they are doing what ~50% of people want.

kella0708

"Obamacare" is the underlying issue BUT even with the shutdown health insurance market places will open today. The ACA is not strictly tied to the annual budget. Much of the law is considered mandatory spending. HHS has made it clear that they will continue the health exchanges and their coordination with Medicaid.

My heart goes out to all that will be effected by this. Although DH is not getting paid we can more than survive on my paycheck. Many others we know don't have that luxury. For us it's more upsetting that time spent together will be very limited.

slwprincess

Booger+Bear said:

slwprincess said:

 

katykatykaty said:

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

I just mean that our government was DESIGNED to encourage gridlock, hence the checks and balances.  The founding fathers did not want any one branch having more power than another.  So from a political and historical perspective, when Congress is split like it is, the budget is typically the only bargaining chip that the House has to enforce their preferences, which are by nature supposed to be the preferences of the PEOPLE.  Is also the House of Representatives who holds the purse strings and if their constituents are pushing them to repeal a massive tax (which like it or not, is exactly what the ACA is according to the Supreme Court) then I can absolutely understand why it has come to this point.  Regardless on our personal views of this law, all polls indicate it is incredibly unpopular and the massive amount of constituent phone calls against it (the Capital Switchboard was overloaded)  in the last week certainly indicate that like it or not, the House is actually doing what their constituents want.  They are politicians- first and foremost, they want to get re-elected. 

edited to correct typos

Not sure where you get your info, but all polls have remained fairly split on whether people like/don't like ACA. So, they are doing what ~50% of people want.

Good point, let me rephrase.  The polls show that people like parts of the ACA.  They like that dependents can be covered longer.  They like that pre-existing conditions are covered.  But overall, most americans do not want government controlled healthcare and they do believe it will eventually lead to socialized medicine.  Also, let's face it, polls are misleading anyway... but it is our duty as responsible citizens to communicate our opinions to our elected officials.  And I'm sorry, but if 50% want ACA, then those 50% need to be calling/emailing/writing their representatives.  But they're just not.  So again, I can totally see where this tactic is coming from. 

kella0708

@Bookshelves I think I will adopt yor mantra today. I have an important meeting in an hour and will not get caught up in TB debate!

ras26

kella0708 said:

"Obamacare" is the underlying issue BUT even with the shutdown health insurance market places will open today. The ACA is not strictly tied to the annual budget. Much of the law is considered mandatory spending. HHS has made it clear that they will continue the health exchanges and their coordination with Medicaid. My heart goes out to all that will be effected by this. Although DH is not getting paid we can more than survive on my paycheck. Many others we know don't have that luxury. For us it's more upsetting that time spent together will be very limited.

This.  They are tying the ACA to the budget when it's not a budget issue.  And like Booger+Bear said, it's only what *some* people want.  Some traditionally very "red" states (Kentucky specifically was reported on in the NYT) are very excited to open the exchanges and give underserved people in their state some options.  And this fight is also not about the debt ceiling.  That fight comes when we repeat all this in roughly 2 weeks (Oct. 17). 

boogerbearoriginal

slwprincess said:

Booger+Bear said:

slwprincess said:

 

katykatykaty said:

slwprincess said:

I'm a fed. Furloughed today. I honestly have gotten so used to the threat of a shut down that I really ignored this one and thought it was just another "wolf" cry. I really thought there was a back room deal that would come through at the last minute. It does get old being used as a pawn in these political games but overall, I feel blessed to have my job and that we are financially ok for a while but I certainly hope this only lasts a day or two! I know that not all Feds are as fortunate as we are to have 2 incomes so my heart goes out to you! I have some pretty strong political views on this subject (that I won't get into here) and I understand why this tactic is necessary, but I really wish the 2 parties would suck it up and negotiate already.

You do?  I wish you would explain it to me.  From the way I see it, it's not necessary.  Not only is it not necessary, but it's ridiculous and disgusting. 

I just mean that our government was DESIGNED to encourage gridlock, hence the checks and balances.  The founding fathers did not want any one branch having more power than another.  So from a political and historical perspective, when Congress is split like it is, the budget is typically the only bargaining chip that the House has to enforce their preferences, which are by nature supposed to be the preferences of the PEOPLE.  Is also the House of Representatives who holds the purse strings and if their constituents are pushing them to repeal a massive tax (which like it or not, is exactly what the ACA is according to the Supreme Court) then I can absolutely understand why it has come to this point.  Regardless on our personal views of this law, all polls indicate it is incredibly unpopular and the massive amount of constituent phone calls against it (the Capital Switchboard was overloaded)  in the last week certainly indicate that like it or not, the House is actually doing what their constituents want.  They are politicians- first and foremost, they want to get re-elected. 

edited to correct typos

Not sure where you get your info, but all polls have remained fairly split on whether people like/don't like ACA. So, they are doing what ~50% of people want.

Good point, let me rephrase.  The polls show that people like parts of the ACA.  They like that dependents can be covered longer.  They like that pre-existing conditions are covered.  But overall, most americans do not want government controlled healthcare and they do believe it will eventually lead to socialized medicine.  Also, let's face it, polls are misleading anyway... but it is our duty as responsible citizens to communicate our opinions to our elected officials.  And I'm sorry, but if 50% want ACA, then those 50% need to be calling/emailing/writing their representatives.  But they're just not.  So again, I can totally see where this tactic is coming from. 

Who says they aren't contacting their reps saying keep up the work protecting ACA?

A quick google search found since enacted, polls have been consistently evenly split of people like/don't like ACA in general. When you start polling specific items in the legislation, polls go in favor of provisions in ACA. 

slwprincess

 

Good point, let me rephrase.  The polls show that people like parts of the ACA.  They like that dependents can be covered longer.  They like that pre-existing conditions are covered.  But overall, most americans do not want government controlled healthcare and they do believe it will eventually lead to socialized medicine.  Also, let's face it, polls are misleading anyway... but it is our duty as responsible citizens to communicate our opinions to our elected officials.  And I'm sorry, but if 50% want ACA, then those 50% need to be calling/emailing/writing their representatives.  But they're just not.  So again, I can totally see where this tactic is coming from. 

Who says they aren't contacting their reps saying keep up the work protecting ACA?

A quick google search found since enacted, polls have been consistently evenly split of people like/don't like ACA in general. When you start polling specific items in the legislation, polls go in favor of provisions in ACA. 

So you think that the Reps are going against their constituents here?  For what purpose?  Sorry, but again I say, the House behavior is driven by a desire to get re-elected.  And lets also remember that we the people VOTED for a divided congress.  We voted for gridlock. 

edited to shrink quote tree

slwprincess

PS I really don't want to debate this... it's ruining my upaid free day :-)  Going to Target now.  Y'all have fun!

Winnieella

I feel bad for all those affected. I know too many people not working today or not getting paid.

notreal2

Actually, politicians are more concerned with towing the party line than they are with what their constituents think.  They will need the party's moneyand suppot come election time.  Sadly, that is more important to election/re-election than what the voters think.

boogerbearoriginal

slwprincess said:

 

Good point, let me rephrase.  The polls show that people like parts of the ACA.  They like that dependents can be covered longer.  They like that pre-existing conditions are covered.  But overall, most americans do not want government controlled healthcare and they do believe it will eventually lead to socialized medicine.  Also, let's face it, polls are misleading anyway... but it is our duty as responsible citizens to communicate our opinions to our elected officials.  And I'm sorry, but if 50% want ACA, then those 50% need to be calling/emailing/writing their representatives.  But they're just not.  So again, I can totally see where this tactic is coming from. 

Who says they aren't contacting their reps saying keep up the work protecting ACA?

A quick google search found since enacted, polls have been consistently evenly split of people like/don't like ACA in general. When you start polling specific items in the legislation, polls go in favor of provisions in ACA. 

So you think that the Reps are going against their constituents here?  For what purpose?  Sorry, but again I say, the House behavior is driven by a desire to get re-elected.  And lets also remember that we the people VOTED for a divided congress.  We voted for gridlock. 

edited to shrink quote tree

Here's the problem with your argument, those reps weren't necessarily elected by me/you or anyone in Vermont (to pick a random state I have no idea who Vermont's reps are or how they voted off the top of my head). They were elected by 51% (or more) of voters in their particular area of their state. Add to that, I can say with some certainty none of the Congress members have received 100% of votes, so yes, they are going against some of their constituents wishes.

And finally, I am SMH if you honestly think that all politicians care about the average voter. Many, on both sides of the aisle, are beholden to political backers whose identities will never see the light of day. The people whose money/power got them elected are the people they care about pleasing and not you or I.

Codypup

@Bookshelves - 

that is what I've been telling myself all morning, and yet I've engaged some FB political debates despite my best intentions. Whoops.

FWIW, I am a raving liberal. I'm admittedly not very good at "seeing both sides" of this ridiculous situation. 

Megs1HOTRED

DH is non-essential federal government, so he's furloughed.  Looks like I'll be bringing home the bacon for the time being.  I already made him a "honey dew" list though, so he will be earning his keep around here  lol.  He will be doing my nesting for me since I have to work.  Trying to stay positive thru this, but hope they figure this out soon and everyone involved gets back pay.

SuzyQq02

We are thankfully not directly affected, though MH's firm is awaiting results of a fed audit which they now won't get, so if they do something contrary to it, they may be held liable... fun times.

As to the ACA point, I'll put on my helmet and waddle into the fray. I live in MA, where the system the ACA is based on basically piloted. It's been, for the most part, pretty successful here in terms of getting people covered, more mixed results in controlling costs because the state services don't exist in a vacuum.

People LOVE certain provisions of the ACA that are helpful to them. The only problem is, how you even out the costs associated with those provisions (and thus lower costs for everyone) is for everyone to buy in. Without the individual mandate (which is consistently the lowest polled aspect of the law), people with pre-existing conditions don't get coverage. It's the spreading of costs over a greater number of people that makes the system work. You can't have the goodies without the other stuff, it's economics.

And yes, I've contacted both my senators to tell them not to vote to defund or dismantle the ACA. :-)

katykatykaty

SuzyQq02 said:

We are thankfully not directly affected, though MH's firm is awaiting results of a fed audit which they now won't get, so if they do something contrary to it, they may be held liable... fun times.

As to the ACA point, I'll put on my helmet and waddle into the fray. I live in MA, where the system the ACA is based on basically piloted. It's been, for the most part, pretty successful here in terms of getting people covered, more mixed results in controlling costs because the state services don't exist in a vacuum.

People LOVE certain provisions of the ACA that are helpful to them. The only problem is, how you even out the costs associated with those provisions (and thus lower costs for everyone) is for everyone to buy in. Without the individual mandate (which is consistently the lowest polled aspect of the law), people with pre-existing conditions don't get coverage. It's the spreading of costs over a greater number of people that makes the system work. You can't have the goodies without the other stuff, it's economics.

And yes, I've contacted both my senators to tell them not to vote to defund or dismantle the ACA. :-)

I think what the Tea Party is most worried about is that people are actually going to like Obamacare. 

KatieKT

My husband is active duty military but the main impact I'm anticipating is having his work related travel cancelled.