Federal Government Shutdown

Cartman78

Hi all,

Not overly familiar with the mechanics of US Politics, but was watching Series 5 of the (excellent) West Wing last night - the episode concerned a federal government shutdown. This was due to a budgeting dispute between the Democrats and the Republicans and rather than compromise and meet in the middle, Martin Sheen decided to shutdown the government.

All very exciting and dramatic, but was wondering if this kind of thing has ever happened/or is likely to happen? Surely it would be political suicide??

Overheal

Sounds like TV Melodrama to me.

Manic Moran

It's happened a few times in the past. They're really bloody annoying, but not the end of the world. The last deadline was right in the middle of one of our field exercises, we didn't know how much ammo we should draw.

Between 1976 and 1980 there were six shut-downs ranging from 8 days to two and a half weeks. They changed the rules on shut-downs a tad after that.

The next shutdown came in 1981, but was a half-day. 1984 was a one-day shut-down, 1990 was a three-day, but as it was a long weekend it didn't have any appreciable effect. There was a six-day shutdown in 1995, and a three-week shutdown in 1996 which a lot of people noticed.

Usually the shut-downs have been because Congress has been unable to pass a budget, but it has happened in the past that a President has vetoed it and caused the shut-down. Reagan did this to cause the 1981 shutdown, Clinton did the same to result in the 1995/96 ones. Clinton came out for the better from that deal.

NTM

Amerika

A government shutdown is when our government discontinues providing services that are not considered "essential." During that time non-essential government workers are put on furlough. Essential services keep running as normal. It is an effective maneuver that evokes public outcry, forcing the two parties to work harder on a budget compromise.

In recent years we've had several government shutdowns. Nothing new and not political suicide.

Cartman78

Thanks for the replies.

I had suspected that the episode might have cranked up the drama a bit alright. Out of all the episodes i've seen so far this is the one that has come closest to stretching credibility.

Overheal

24 should also not be considered when wondering for insights into Presidential or Federal realities. Entertaining, yes, but I sometimes laugh when I think about how much stuff they've tried in that show just to add drama and tension - like a cougar. What was it doing there? Why was it needed?

Cartman78

Overheal wrote: »

24 should also not be considered when wondering for insights into Presidential or Federal realities. Entertaining, yes, but I sometimes laugh when I think about how much stuff they've tried in that show just to add drama and tension - like a cougar. What was it doing there? Why was it needed?

Very true - CTU had the worst HR dept. in the history of the planet.....1 double-agent hired = unforgiveable mistake.....when it happens more than once then the recruitment policy needs to thoroughly examined.

Memnoch

I wouldn't be so sure:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12716033

An FBI employee sent to observe interrogations at Guantanamo said a TV show had provided inspiration for some of the methods used.

Jim Clemente, of the FBI's behavioural analysis unit, said one officer told him: "She actually had watched the television show 24 to get ideas on interrogation methods that they would then utilise at Guantanamo.

"It was outrageous, unbelievable that someone would do something that stupid."

You can't make this stuff up.

Overheal

Memnoch wrote: »

You can't make this stuff up.

If a TV show can make it up, then yes. Yes you can

neris

Talk of a government shutdown this week or at least there is .talk in the finacial markets and media today

Amerika

neris wrote: »

Talk of a government shutdown this week or at least there is .talk in the finacial markets and media today

I hope it happens. Time for real discussions on the budget and the inevitable financial collapse if we keep kicking the can of fiscal responsibility down the road.

And if the government does shut down, I guess people will really get to see just how "vital" (said sarcastically) all these government jobs and departments really are. I think that's what the Democrats are really afraid of in a shutdown.

Manic Moran

I could do with one more week. I'm traveling this weekend, and a cancellation of the reason I'm traveling is going to come out of my pocket

Overheal

My understanding is armed forces would get back pay for shutdown no?

Manic Moran

Essential components of the armed services. Reservists not on active duty don't count, neither do DoD civilians.

NTM

Overheal

....Call in sick.

Amerika

I understand House Republicans are introducing a Bill to pay the military during a government shutdown. But reports are indicating Harry Reid will work to stop it in the Senate. Funny, but if the Democrats would have done what they legally were supposed to, back in October 2010, and passed a Budget when they still controlled the House, the Senate, and the presidency, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. But heavens forbid the public know what the Democrat spending plans were during an election year.

Party First... before God and Country should be the Democrat motto.

Inquitus

Amerika wrote: »

Party First... before God and Country should be the Democrat motto.

WTF has God got to do with any of this?

28064212

Amerika wrote: »

Party First... before God and Country should be the Democrat motto.

Perhaps. I'd rather that than the motto of God and Country before People

Memnoch

C&C Red Alert fake James Bond Commando voice: 'For King and Country.'

Lockstep

Cartman78 wrote: »

Hi all,

Not overly familiar with the mechanics of US Politics, but was watching Series 5 of the (excellent) West Wing last night - the episode concerned a federal government shutdown. This was due to a budgeting dispute between the Democrats and the Republicans and rather than compromise and meet in the middle, Martin Sheen decided to shutdown the government.

All very exciting and dramatic, but was wondering if this kind of thing has ever happened/or is likely to happen? Surely it would be political suicide??

The episode was based on a real standoff between Congress and Clinton. The wikipedia article is decent for an overview