The United States is on the verge of paralysis of the federal state, plunging the country into a chaotic logistical situation and a fierce political battle. Responsibility for this impasse is widely debated between President Joe Biden and Republicans.
If no last minute agreement is reached, which now seems unlikely, the world’s largest economy will experience slowdown from Sunday October 1st. As a result, 1.5 million civil servants will be deprived of pay, air traffic will be disrupted and national parks will be closed to visitors.
Shalanda Young, director of the White House Office of the Budget (OMB), remains optimistic that a deal can be reached between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. However, neither chamber is currently able to pass a finance law to extend the federal state budget, which expires on September 30 at midnight.
The current standoff is mainly being played out in the House of Representatives, controlled by the Republicans, where a few Trumpist elected officials categorically refuse to attach aid to Ukraine to any finance law. Joe Biden puts the responsibility on the Republicans, while the latter say they are seeking concessions on all budget issues under discussion.
This is not the first time that the United States has faced a federal government shutdown. Under the presidency of Donald Trump, the country has already experienced a long paralysis in 2018, with economic consequences estimated at more than $3 billion.
Just a few hours before the deadline, the country is preparing for a new closure of services. Civil servants have been informed of the imminence of this paralysis and will have to wait until the end of the shutdown to receive their salaries. National parks will be closed, air traffic will be disrupted and some food aid recipients may be temporarily deprived of their support.
Beyond aid to Ukraine, other issues are also at stake, such as funds dedicated to global humanitarian needs, the migration crisis or the fight against malicious actors. This situation endangers the national security of the United States and raises fears of an advance by China and Russia.
In this context of crisis, many citizens are worried about their financial future and must rely on a single salary to provide for their family’s needs. Despite concerns, some are trying to focus on spending time with loved ones to cope with this difficult time.
In conclusion, the paralysis of the federal state in the United States is an imminent reality. Political differences between President Biden and Republicans leave little hope of a last-minute deal. The economic and social consequences of this situation are serious, and many American citizens fear the impact on their daily lives. All that remains is to wait and see how this impasse will be resolved and what the long-term consequences will be for the country.