It is a political situation in which government stops providing for all but 'essential' services. Unless Congress raises federal borrowing cap,government will shut down on Oct 1 as it will run out of money to pay bills Why will government stop funding services? The US budget year ends on September 30. The House of Representatives and Senate are considering bills to fund government past the deadline. But Republicans want to cut off funding for President Obamas health care law as a condition of passing the spending measure. How is Obamacare tied to funding government? The health care law isnt directly tied to funding the government,but its being used as a bargaining chip. A group of Republicans despises the presidents signature health care plan so much that its willing to risk government shutdown. How will it affect citizens? About one-third of the government will shut down. About 800,000 of about 2.1 million federal employees will be sent home without pay. The Environmental Protection Agency,NASA and other agencies will close most operations. The military and other agencies involving safety and security would continue to function. Defence cooperation deal makes India 'closest partner' of the US What if Congress cant agree to raise cap in time? It could be disastrous. The government may be forced to immediately slash spending by 32 %. It could miss interest payments on Treasurys,triggering a first-ever default by the US government. Who are affected Smithsonian institutions 19 museums/galleries and National Zoo National Parks inc. Statue of Liberty,Yosemite and Alcatraz Staff affected Defence 40,000 Commerce 30,000 Energy 12,700 Transport 18,481 Exceptions * Air traffic control * National security * Nuclear weapons and power
