The U.S. government is nearing a potential shutdown. Here's what that could mean for Minnesotans.
Republicans have put forward a budget proposal that would keep the federal government from shutting down early Saturday morning, but Democrats are opposed because of sharp budget cuts.
The proposal has already passed through the U.S. House.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he'll vote to keep the government open, but he didn't say if enough Democrats would join him to clear the 60-vote hurdle to pass. The chamber will bring up the measure on Friday for a vote.
Because the Republican proposal is just a temporary fix, it would give the president a lot more power in how the approved money would be spent.
President Trump took to social media to urge Republicans to vote "yes."
"Great things are coming for America, and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through September so we can continue to get our 'financial house' in order," Mr. Trump wrote.
Democrats are concerned. When asked if there would be a government shutdown, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig representing Minnesota's 2nd District said she hopes not. She voted against the spending plan in the House; only one Democrat joined Republicans to pass it.
"The process here has certainly been a little difficult because the CR — the continuing resolution — cuts money for veterans and seniors," Craig said.
The local impact of a federal government shutdown would include unpaid furloughs of all nonessential federal employees.
Essential workers, like air traffic controllers and the U.S. military, would continue to work, but would not get paid until after the shutdown.
National parks and museums will close, government labs will close and routine food safety inspections would be suspended.
Post offices would not be affected. Social Security checks, Medicare and Medicaid are also not affected.
Complicating the shutdown picture is all the uncertainties surrounding federal budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficienct (DOGE) and the Trump administration.
Right now, the government is scheduled to shut down at midnight on Friday. The last government shutdown came under Mr. Trump in 2018 to 2019 and was the longest ever at 35 days.
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