BREAKING: U.S. Federal Government Officially Shuts Down for First Time in 17 Years

[Hissyspit]

Source: Bloomberg News / NBC News

@BloombergNews: BREAKING: U.S. federal government officially shuts down for first time in 17 years

Shutdown to begin as Congress remains deadlocked

By Carrie Dann and Michael O'Brien, NBC News

Federal government officials told agencies to begin executing plans for a partial government shutdown Monday as Congress failed to reach an agreement on a funding measure.

In a memo to executive branch officers sent less than half an hour before a midnight deadline, Office of Management and Budget director Sylvia Burwell said there was no "clear indication" that Congress would reach an agreement to keep the government's lights on by 12:01 a.m. ET

"Agencies should now execute plans for an orderly shutdown due to the absence of appropriations," she wrote. "We urge Congress to act quickly to pass a Continuing Resolution to provide a short-term bridge that ensures sufficient time to pass a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year, and to restore the operation of critical public services and programs that will be impacted by a lapse in appropriations."

The shutdown is expected to place tens of thousands of federal workers on furlough, close national parks and monuments, and disrupt services like food assistance and IRS audits. Services like benefit payments and national security operations would go on as usual, and – because of a bipartisan measure passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the president late Monday – members of the military will continue to be paid.

As the clock ticked down to midnight, the House announced that it would try to shift decision-making to a bipartisan "conference" of lawmakers from both chambers, but Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid immediately rejected that plan.

Read more: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/2013/m-13-24.pdf

[KewlKat]

1. Maybe all of us just put out of work should head to DC

Pound our chests, and vent!!

[IrishAyes]

8. ... and maybe more.

[geek tragedy]

2. Every single person who voted Republican in 2012 can go fuck themselves.

This is what those assholes voted for.

Just let the red states secede so they don't drag us down with them.

[PatrynXX]

6. believe Hell has a special place for them

attempted mass murderers .....

[Drunken Irishman]

10. Don't forget 2010.

[geek tragedy]

11. Once is a mistake, twice is character. nt

[underthematrix]

20. I cannot understand how anyone can vote republican.

[Hekate]

29. Every single Democrat who stayed home in 2012 and 2010 can likewise eff themselves.

Likewise every Dem or liberal or progressive threatening to stay home in a snit next year.

We are all in this together whether we like it or not.

[DonCoquixote]

36. ^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^^^^

and may I humbly add 2000 as well?

[lastlib]

54. Hell, let's go back to 1968......

[Spitfire of ATJ]

39. There are people out there cheering....

They honestly believe all of "Takers" (Not the only word used) just got their "Obama Money" canceled on the first and the attitude out there is, "Good! Maybe they'll put down the crack pipe and get their ass off the couch and out looking for a JOB."

[uppityperson]

3. Here is the text of the pdf in OP.

September 30, 2013
M-13-24
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FROM: M.
Duector wGVVfl /
SUBJECT: Update on Status of Operations
This memorandum follows the September 17,2013, Memorandum M-13-22, and

provides an update on the potential lapse of appropriations.

Appropriations provided under the Consolidated and Further Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2013 (P.L. 113-6) expire at 11:59 pm tonight. Unfortunately, we do not
have a clear indication that Congress will act in time for the President to sign a Continuing
Resolution before the end of the day tomorrow, October 1, 2013. Therefore, agencies should
now execute plans for an orderly shutdown due to the absence of appropriations. We urge
Congress to act quickly to pass a Continuing Resolution to provide a short-term bridge that
ensures sufficient time to pass a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year, and to restore the
operation of critical public services and programs that will be impacted by a lapse in
appropriations.
Agencies should continue to closely monitor developments, and OMB will provide
further guidance as appropriate. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and the work you and
your agencies do on behalf of the American people.

[onehandle]

4. Apropos of nothing...

[stopwastingmymoney]

34. I love that so much

I can't stop watching it

Thanks!

[Brigid]

57. My sig line summed up in just four words!

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. It is 17 days till the Default on Debt deadline.

October 17. Though that may be a bit variable, but not by much.

40 of 51 economists polled thought debt default was only a 10% chance. The other 11 gave it a higher probability but none gave it more than 50/50.

[quadrature]

7. are ATMs still working? ...nt

[Hissyspit]

9. @JeffersonObama: Tea Party Terrorists Just Shut DOWN 9,000 Staff of THE CDC

[IrishAyes]

12. For the sake of the whole country

I hope this is all over soon, and that the back of the GOP has been broken.

[IrishMidget]

13. Most partisan congress in the history of the US.

It's official that this congress has managed to breach all new lows. Is it any real surprised that a shutdown was inevitable?

[blkmusclmachine]

14. Courtesy of the GOPee.

[AAO]

15. Someone turn the lights out. Flip the switch!

[KewlKat]

16. Can someone explain to me why and how Boner didn't have to put the senate bill to a vote?

I did not realize that until an hour ago. It sounded to me that there would have been enough to vote FOR the senate bill, but someone said Boner didn't have to bring it to a vote?

[KewlKat]

32. Okay...I found out why the bill wasn't brought up for a vote

The Hastert Rule.

Hastert is the originator of the “Hastert Rule,” which saith that no House Speaker shall bring to the floor any legislation not supported by “the majority of the majority” (i.e., the majority of the Speaker’s caucus).

I guess at this point I'm never gonna get back to work.....The President shouldn't back down, and the wacko Gropers won't do the right thing......

[Jackpine Radical]

53. The Hastert Rule is unwritten and has no force beyond what the Speaker gives it.

[TygrBright]

17. This has to be NAILED to their pasty little asses.

Because in New Mexico, we have a LOT of Federal employees, and Federal contractors who employ a lot of people. And if they get "furloughed," our entire state economy tanks.

And if the GOPpies have this tied around their necks, it'll choke 'em for the next three election cycles.

disgustedly,
Bright

[Warpy]

26. Yeah, I'm expecting to have to make up the difference

at the grocery checkout counter a lot until these assholes have had their fill of hate mail from their constituents.

[question everything]

18. What you mean, really, is: Republicans, again shut down the government

because they cannot accept a Democrat in the White House.

[Stryst]

19. 50,010 Federal workers in D.C.

Who now have nothing better to do than hunt for nonexistent jobs, apply for a security net that no longer exists, or join the protests. And that's just in D.C.

[Jamastiene]

21. The Republicans just dug their own grave as a party.

I am sure they are smugly satisfied with themselves right now, but this will backfire on them, big time. We'll see how satisfied they will be with themselves when it does. Expect wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[King_Klonopin]

44. I wish that were true.

But they have rigged (gerrymandered) their Congressional
districts to the point where they suffer NO consequences, no
matter how outrageous, no matter how irresponsible.
If you saw Rachel Maddow last night, you are aware of the
frustration -- this country is not represented appropriately.

Republican Motto:
If you can't win, cheat.
If you can't win by cheating, steal.
If you can't win by cheating or stealing, sabotage the whole freaking thing.

And the news media provides no clarity as to who is
responsible, separating facts from fiction.

[Amonester]

22. Is a government shutdown written or allowed anywhere in

the Constitution?

Political parties?

[Fearless]

23. It isn't not allowed.

It is political suicide though.

[KewlKat]

24. It's time

to clean the "HOUSE"!!! Top to bottom......

[KewlKat]

25. You talented videographers.....

can you put a clip together of all the times the Gropers said they would or wanted to shut down the government? Maybe we can make it go viral.

[YOHABLO]

27. I hope this shuts the Republian Party down ... let's hope the U.S. public sees the light on this.

[jamzrockz]

28. I cant believe this really happened

they will pay for it come next elections. Assholes

[olddad56]

30. next year when we file our taxes, will we get an adjustment for the days the govt was not operating?

[olddad56]

31. Who will make out in this fiasco? The investment banks that shorted the market.

[grahamhgreen]

41. We have a winner:)

[Stryst]

33. Free Republic seems to think...

..that this is entirely Obama's fault for "refusing to compromise". As long as the right wing propaganda machine is still spinning, they will still have loyal followers.

[nxylas]

47. And the "both sides-ist" MSM

Which refuses to pin the blame firmly on the GOP because that would be "biased".

[cprise]

35. ABOLISH GERRYMANDERING

Those bums should not be in power!

[kurtyboy]

37. Going to work in the morning...

...for a paycheck that may not come. I'm OK with that---but worried nonetheless.

[Milliesmom]

38. This is out of hand!

I would love to start a class action lawsuit against the Republicans for excess mental anguish.

Why are they still receiving pay? They are trying to destroy America, they in my eyes are traitors.

Does anyone else feel uncomfortable having men drinking and making decisions that are life changing for so many Americans? We all know Boehner is a heavy boozer and he is the House Speaker and supposed to be in charge.
We are up the creek without a paddle right now

[Pachamama]

40. Just when you think you cant hate the Republican Party any more than you do already....

....they surprise you and offer another reason to despise them.....

I cant believe those Trolls called the GOP....I am so disgusted and fuming mad at what effects this is going to have on our economic recovery, our credibility, and all those people who are federal workers not being able to work....and how that affects them personally & their families and us, the taxpayers who rely on their work to provide services to our country....

[NCagainstMcCrony]

42. It's official

It's official! The GOP is insane.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
The GOP tried shutting down the gummint before and what did it get them?
That's right. Newt Gingrich was reduced to husselling Lincolns like Gil Gerard.
The idea that anything will be different this time is INSANE!!!

[NCagainstMcCrony]

43. Constitutional?

I may be wrong. But, I thought the constitution clearly states that mail must be delivered. Shutting down the gummint will stop mail from being delivered. So, how is this not a violation of the oath these ass clowns took to uphold the constitution?

[mnhtnbb]

48. The mail will be delivered. Social Security checks will be paid.

The President said it during the press conference at 5 PM. yesterday.

[mopinko]

56. usps is an independent agency.

congressional oversight, but no money.

[quakerboy]

45. Alternate "Republican congress once again shuts down government to spite democratic president"

This is the second Democrat in a row they have tried this on. Its more of a tradition than a "first time" at this point.

And we should be making that point every time we have an election where there is a possibility of electing a republican. They shut the government down. Again and again. Over and over. Its their MO. Elect a republican, and they will shut down the government.

[SoapBox]

46. Thanks loads Pukes and Baggers!

Vote their worthless fucking asses out of office.

[Diclotican]

49. Hissyspit

Hissyspit

Republicans at work I guess... I have been reading a lot here on DU, and other places lately about it - trying to grasp it all - not easy - but I think I got it now...

When it come to republicans - have they no shame at all for what they are doing to the american public - have they no shame for the damage they do to the country they claim to love and care for.. Have they no shame at all ?

Hopefully this will come and hunt them in the next election - big time - and continue to hunt them hard for many years to come..

Diclotican

[Ash_F]

50. I'm sure the 1% will do fine in the coming hard times. /nt

[bcbink]

51. can we really nail this to the repubs?

It doesn't seem like democrats are able to stay on a message until it is accepted as fact. Even when it is an actual fact.
If we can hang this around all repug necks, then some voters will stop voting themselves in the foot.

[ejpoeta]

52. my local news put this squarely on the republicans.

they said the government would shut down unless the republicans concede. I hope the blame gets put where it belongs. I wish Obama would have done what he's doing now the first time they pulled this. Maybe we wouldn't have kept seeing it over and over. At least he's doing it now.

[llmart]

55. The Repukes own this one......

Let's not leave it up to the media to lay it on them. We have to do it.

[displacedtexan]

58. Alcatraz is closed to the public, and...

campers have 48 hours to leave Yosemite. Some of them booked camping sites 5 months in advance because it's so popular.

Meanwhile, record numbers of people here in CA are signing up for affordable healthcare today.

[IrishMidget]

59. Just replace Clinton with Obama and Gingrich with Boehner

[James48]

60. From the President- to Federal Employees

I just got this-


From: Message from the Secretary
Date: 10/01/2013 10:21AM
Subject: Message from the President of the United States

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

October 1, 2013

To the dedicated and hard-working employees of the United States Government:

The Federal Government is America's largest employer, with more than 2 million civilian workers and 1.4 million active duty military who serve in all 50 States and around the world.

But Congress has failed to meet its responsibility to pass a budget before the fiscal year that begins today. And that means much of our Government must shut down effective today.

I want you to know that I will keep working to get Congress to reopen the Government, restart vital services that the American people depend on, and allow public servants who have been sent home to return to work. At my direction, your agencies should have reached out to you by now about what a shutdown means for you and your families.

Today, I wanted to take a moment to tell you what you mean to me-and to our country.

That begins by saying thank you for the work you do every day-work that is vitally important to our national security and to American families' economic security. You defend our country overseas and ensure that our troops receive the benefits they deserve when they come home. You guard our borders and protect our civil rights. You help small businesses expand and gain new footholds in overseas markets. You guide hundreds of thousands of people each day through the glory of America's national parks and monuments, from Yosemite to the Statue of Liberty. And much more.

You do all this in a political climate that, too often in recent years, has treated you like a punching bag. You have endured three years of a Federal pay freeze, harmful sequester cuts, and now, a shutdown of our Government. And yet, you persevere, continuing to serve the American people with passion, professionalism, and skill.

None of this is fair to you. And should it continue, it will make it more difficult to keep attracting the kind of driven, patriotic, idealistic Americans to public service that our citizens deserve and that our system of self-government demands.

Public service is noble. Public service is important. And by choosing public service, you carry on a proud tradition at the heart of some of this country's greatest and most lasting achievements. In fact, more than 50 current or former Federal employees have received the Nobel Prize for
their efforts. It was grants from the Department of Energy that helped businesses unlock new sources of renewable energy, and from the National Science Foundation that helped entrepreneurs like the founders of Google change the world. It is your efforts that will help this country meet the great challenge of our time--rebuilding an economy where all who work hard can get ahead.

So while the budget fights in Washington are too often partisan, your service to the country must never be. As one of my predecessors, President George H.W. Bush, once said, "There is nothing more fulfilling than to serve your country and your fellow citizens and to do it well. And that is what our system of self-government depends on."

This shutdown was completely preventable. It should not have happened. And the House of Representatives can end it as soon as it follows the Senate's lead, and funds your work in the United States Government without trying to attach highly controversial and partisan measures in the process.

Hopefully, we will resolve this quickly. In the meantime, I want you to know--whether you are a young person who just joined public service because you want to make a difference, or a career employee who has dedicated your life to that pursuit--you and your families remain at the front of my mind. Your agency leaders and I will continue to defend your work at a time when that work has rarely been more important. We will continue to work with your agencies to keep you and your families apprised and informed of what is happening. And I will continue to do everything in my power to get the House of Representatives to allow our Government to reopen as quickly as possible, and make sure you receive the pay that you have earned.

Thank you, again, for your service, your sacrifice, and everything you do every day for this country we love so much.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama