I Don't Get it! - Partial Government Shutdown - Congress goes home for two weeks 3/30/2026

 

Another government (Partial) shutdown. According to the Department of Homeland Security's September 2025 funding lapse plan, most employees will be classified as exempt, requiring them to work through the shutdown. Although they will not receive pay during the shutdown, they are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown concludes. 

Here's who's affected: 

• Department of Defense: Nonessential civilian staff furloughed (military personnel continue to be paid under special rules).
• Department of State: Many consular and administrative staff may be furloughed.
• Department of Transportation: Parts that rely on annual appropriations may be affected.
• Department of Health and Human Services: Some programs slowed or suspended.

I wrote about this insanity last year: https://qualityg.blogspot.com/2025/10/another-government-shutdown.html

Again, I state three simple solutions:

Government shutdowns have become a recurring feature of US politics, the product of partisan stand-offs over spending that force federal agencies to halt a wide range of services.

So, what is the solution to avoid these high school antics and sissified back and forth threats. First of all, no one can leave congress for their home state the month before a balanced budget is do for approval. Second, negotiations must be on going (No leaving the capital) until a resolution can be found before the shutdown date. 

Thirdly, and most importantly ONLY congress people should NOT be paid (With a daily $500 fine) during a shutdown. All other workers should continue to be paid. And NO retroactive pay after resolution for a balanced budget. 

Congress needs to get over themselves. Most people could care less and don't even know why you are having a shutdown. When I am at the gym and one of these so-called politicians come on the television everyone starts to laugh regardless of party. You people live in your own minds and social media bubbles. 

Updated 3/30/2026

Yep, The House and the Senate are gone again (just like last year during the shutdown) on a two-week recess starting Friday, March 27, for Passover and Easter, and left Washington, meaning it could take some time for the chambers to reconcile the differences in their legislation.

There are some congress people who are withholding their pay as to support the workers who are not. One Senator from Ohio (Moreno) introduced a Bill (To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose a daily tax on members of Congress during a lapse in appropriations) to impose a tax on congress members during a shutdown. A worthy effort but will not get passed or even brought for a vote.

You people are a sad representation when you continue to put party politics over working people and military people putting their lives on the line for us in the Middle East.