The federal government appears to be headed for a shutdown on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.

The GOP alone can pass a funding bill in the House, but not the Senate—there, seven Democrats are needed to advance a bill even if every Republican supports it. Normally, getting those votes entails give and take, maybe a compromise.

Instead, the Trump administration is riding roughshod over Congress’ power of the purse and threatening illegal, mass firings of federal employees in jobs “not consistent with the president’s priorities.” Donald Trump and his allies are refusing to even meet with Democrats. Rather than working to keep the government open, they are choosing to deprive millions of working people and middle-class families of health care.

Hence, the standoff.

If past is prologue, we will soon see shuttered national parks and museums, fewer food safety inspections, and interruptions in programs and services for small businesses, seniors, and new mothers—among them, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program that provides nutritious food for low-income parents and children.

Thousands of our most vulnerable children will lose access to vital preschool programs. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will continue to send out payments, but could be forced to put everything else on pause due to lack of staff. Air travelers are likely to encounter longer-than-usual lines for security checks and delayed or cancelled flights due to shortages of air traffic controllers.

A shutdown would also cause real hardship for working families. Federal employees, including military personnel, would not be paid for the duration. Those deemed “critical” could be required to keep working without pay—among them, educators represented by the Federal Employee Association (FEA), an NEA affiliate, in schools for military-connected students run by the Department of Defense Education Authority (DoDEA).

As Congress flailed last week, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation held its 54th annual legislative conference. NEA President Becky Pringle delivered opening remarks at a panel on using social media to end gun violence, led by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), and a panel on issues confronting Black men and boys, led by Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL). In addition, Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Bobby Scott (D-VA) participated in an NEA-sponsored panel titled, “The State of Education—It’s All Hands on Deck.”

Tell Congress what you think!

In Solidarity,