Looming US government shutdown leaves over half of Americans in fear

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Sep 2023 17:05

The bipartisan horn-locking is pushing the federal government close to yet another financial crisis following the debt ceiling mayhem a few months ago.

A closure sign is posted on the National Park near the US Capitol in Washington DC, United States, in January 2018 (AFP)

A recent survey revealed that a significant majority of American adults expressed concerns about the potential impact of a federal government shutdown, with over half indicating that such an event would personally affect them, Axios said in a report on Friday.

Moreover, a substantial 68 percent of respondents stated that the mere threat of a shutdown erodes their trust in the government. This survey sheds light on the potential chaos that could ensue if House Republicans fail to reach an agreement to fund the government before the looming September 30 deadline.

According to the findings of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service polling institution, a significant number of both Democrats, 65 percent, and Republicans, 46 percent, fear this scenario would personally impact them.

The survey arrives at a critical juncture as congressional offices start preparations for a possible government shutdown. Simultaneously, the White House is cautioning about the potential economic and national security repercussions of such an event, all while trust in the government remains at historic lows.

The ramifications of a government shutdown would be far-reaching, with risks including the depletion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund, disruptions to scientific research, delays in FDA food inspections, interruptions to hundreds of thousands of federal workers' salaries, and potential impacts on health programs, the report added citing the administration of US President Joe Biden.

Furthermore, the air travel sector could face significant disruptions similar to that in 2018-2019, when a government shutdown resulted in the absence of TSA agents, causing widespread travel delays. Additionally, a shutdown could impede the FAA's training efforts for over 2,600 new air traffic controllers recruited to address staffing shortages nationwide, a point emphasized by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during his recent congressional testimony.

Beyond the concerns related to a government shutdown, the survey also highlights the frustrations of US citizens with legislators who obstruct military and government appointments.

A substantial 64 percent of respondents expressed disapproval of US Senators blocking nominations of top officials for political reasons, citing the ongoing example of Senator Tommy Tuberville's extended blockade against numerous nominations for top military positions, in protest of a Pentagon policy to reimburse service members on abortion-related expenses.