House Republicans left with a government shutdown looming

House Republicans left Washington on Thursday with a government shutdown looming, as they were unable to agree on a spending bill before the end of the fiscal year on September 30th.

The Republicans have been divided on how to handle the spending bill, with some members demanding cuts to President Biden's social spending plans, while others are more willing to compromise.

The Democrats have accused the Republicans of being willing to shut down the government in order to get their way, while the Republicans have accused the Democrats of being unwilling to negotiate.

The shutdown would mean that many federal agencies would close and hundreds of thousands of government employees would be furloughed.

It is unclear how long a shutdown would last, but it could have a significant impact on the economy and on the lives of millions of Americans.

Here are some of the potential consequences of a government shutdown:

• Federal agencies would close: Many federal agencies would be forced to close their doors, including the National Park Service, the Smithsonian museums, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Government employees would be furloughed: Hundreds of thousands of government employees would be furloughed, meaning they would not be paid but would be required to return to work when the shutdown is over.
• Social Security and Medicare benefits would continue: Social Security and Medicare benefits would continue to be paid, as they are funded through a separate trust fund.
• The economy could be impacted: A government shutdown could have a negative impact on the economy, as it would reduce consumer spending and business investment.
• Public confidence in the government could decline: A government shutdown could further erode public confidence in the government, which is already at an all-time low.

It is important to note that the consequences of a government shutdown will vary depending on the length of the shutdown and the specific agencies that are affected.