Govt Shutdown Crisis: Will Missed Paychecks Force a Deal?
As the government shutdown drags on, experts warn that key deadlines could trigger a turning point. The first day federal workers go without pay, and the first day service members miss a paycheck, could send things spiraling. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and U.S. General Services Administration, the next federal worker pay date is Oct. 10, and the next military pay date is Oct. 15.
The Looming Deadlines
Richard Stern, director of the Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget at the Heritage Foundation, highlights that neither side wants to be responsible for essential government workers or the troops missing out on pay, making these dates crucial for ending the shutdown. He also points out that while Democratic leaders are attempting to blame the GOP, it was their decision to reject a compromise temporary spending bill.
Democrats' Stance on Healthcare
Democrats have insisted that any funding agreement must extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) beyond this year, a provision Republicans have rejected. Some Democrats have even acknowledged their role in the shutdown, as seen in a viral video of Rep. Shri Thanedar stating the importance of healthcare access, even if it means a shutdown.
Impact on the Ground
The shutdown's effects are already visible. In Dayton, Ohio, Howard Patterson encountered locked doors and a sign stating, "Due to the current lapse in federal government appropriations this site is closed to the public," at the Wright Cycle Company, part of the national park complex dedicated to the Wright brothers.
What's Next?
The pressure on Democrats to end the shutdown will likely intensify as military service members and essential government workers face missed paychecks. Whether this pressure will lead to a compromise remains to be seen.