By The most recent government shutdown marks the first time in nearly two decades that Congress failed to pass a necessary spending measure that would have keep the government open.
As a result of the congressional deadlock, approximately 800,000 non-essential federal workers were furloughed without pay.
In addition, landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Yosemite National Park were closed because of the shutdown, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Although the shutdown most affects non-essential services, the point of contention in Congress — and the reason for the shutdown — is the Affordable Care Act.
Many Republicans are demanding a bill that “delay[s], defund[s] or in some other way disrupt[s] the imminent implementation of the [Affordable Care Act],” according to the Washington Post.
The Democratic-controlled Senate, however, has not passed any of the Republican-controlled House’s spending measures because they would severely affect the Affordable Care Act.
“What right do they have to pick and choose which part of government is going to be funded?” Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said, according to CNN. “It’s obvious what’s going on here. You talk about reckless and irresponsible, wow.”
We are astonished by what is going on in Washington, D.C.
In theory, Congress should represent the nation’s views and compromise when necessary.
Instead, it seems as though both parties have thrown out the option to compromise and instead decided to fight to the death.
What Congress doesn’t appear to acknowledge, however, is that the government shutdown is negatively affecting millions of Americans.
Instead of fighting over the Affordable Care Act that was signed into law more than three years ago, Congress should find other places in government that can be cut.
But given that the federal government remained closed for a second day, it seems as though both sides aren’t willing to compromise anytime soon.
The longer the government is closed, the more people will lose faith in our nation’s highest body.
In a time when conflict is glorified, leaders in both houses of Congress should go against what has become the norm and extend an open hand.
