Oct. 1, 2013. Despite members of their own party, including North Carolina’s own Senator Richard Burr shunning such a tactic, the Tea Party caucus has managed to hijack the House of Representatives resulting in the first government shutdown in nearly two decades. The North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) released the following statement:
“Tea Party Republicans were warned time and time again that a government shutdown would harm our economy, the middle class and our service men and women. Despite this, Republicans have shirked their responsibility to keep government open for business,” said NCDP Chair Randy Voller. “The fringe Tea Party minority has seized control of government and lurched from one imaginary crisis to another at the expense of our economy and thousands of hardworking North Carolinians. It’s time for Republicans to get serious by ending this era of obstructionism and focusing on getting Americans back to work.”
BACKGROUND
A full list of federal government agencies unable to function during the Tea Party shutdown
With the federal government now shut down, many government services and agencies are closed, suspended or otherwise impacted. Below is a list of offices and agencies that are affected until congressional leaders and the president reach an agreement on a continuing resolution to reopen the government, along with the potential number of employees affected. – [10/1/13]
A “prolonged” government shutdown would “upend” financial markets that would send the unemployment rate up “higher”
A shutdown of a few days might do little damage, but economists, lawmakers and analysts are increasingly bracing for a shutdown that could last a week or more…Such an outcome would suck money out of the economy and spread anxiety among consumers and businesses in a way that is likely to hold back economic activity. – [9/29/13]
Voters “Overwhelmingly” oppose Tea Party strategy to shutdown federal government
A new Quinnipiac poll finds that American voters oppose Congress shutting down the federal government to block implementation of Obamacare, 72% to 22%. Voters also oppose blocking an increase in the nation’s debt ceiling as a way to stop Obamacare, 64% to 27%. – [10/1/13]
Speaker Boehner (VIDEO) “our goal…is not to shut down the government…” – [10/1/13]
Tea Party Republicans celebrate 123rd anniversary of Yosemite National Park…by shutting it down
The Google doodle is celebrating the 123rd birthday of Yosemite National Park, but in a sad turn of events, the tribute comes the very day visitors to the California nature reserve will be turned away due to the government shutdown. – [10/1/13]
* Release from N.C. Democratic Party
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