A government shutdown occurs when congress and the President can’t agree how to delegate funding. Often, it is a partisan disagreement; the two parties can’t agree on spending. But why this time? Well, President Trump is trying to fund the southern border wall that he promised during his campaign, and is demanding $5.7 billion to pay for it. He has refused to approve any budget without this money. With a Democrat-controlled House, this shutdown may continue until a 2/3 vote is made to override Trump’s veto. In total, nine different agencies have shut down.

Shutdowns don’t just affect government workers. According to Capital Economics, “If a shutdown were to begin now and goes on for longer than 10 days, it would also prevent the processing of tax refunds by the IRS, which would otherwise be filed beginning in late January, with payments scheduled to go out from mid-February onwards.”

The government shutdown on Saturday, December 22nd. As of January 18th, it is on its 28th day. This surpasses the previous record of 21 days set in 1995 under the Clinton Administration. There is no near end in sight.

According to LHS senior, Alyssa Belko, we should be worried about the length of the shutdown. “The President can’t just hold government workers’ paychecks hostage. People need their paychecks, and it is unfair to make them work without it. The longer this goes on, the longer government workers will suffer.”

Hopefully, congress will reach a compromise and the government will return to normal. You can help by contacting your republican senators, and telling them how you feel as a constituent.