As the clock ticks toward the end of the day on Saturday, another government shutdown threatens to disrupt the operations of federal parks.
The last government shutdown lasted 35 days, the longest in U.S. history, in the winter of 2018-19. During that time, services such as the Golden Pond Visitor Center were forced to close their doors until Congress finally reached a deal to reopen the government. However, visitors were still able to explore the outdoor areas within the Land Between the Lakes boundaries.
This impending shutdown arises as Congress faces the task of allocating funding to 438 government agencies each fiscal year, which is set to end on Saturday. Failure to pass the necessary bills before the new fiscal year begins on Sunday would leave these agencies unable to continue their normal operations, as highlighted by the University of Kentucky – Office of the Vice President for Research.
According to the Congressional Research Service, there have been 14 shutdowns since 1981, with many lasting only a day or two. However, the 2018-19 shutdown took a toll on the economy, costing approximately $3 billion, equivalent to 0.02% of the GDP, as estimated by the Congressional Budget Office.
Congress now faces four options to consider. They can choose to do nothing, resulting in a government shutdown at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday. Alternatively, they can pass one or more continuing resolutions to extend funding at current levels until a specific date. Another option is to pass a continuing resolution with cuts to discretionary agency spending. Lastly, Congress can opt to pass some or all of the 12 separate appropriations bills, providing funding for the government through September 30, 2024.
