That is exactly my point - why work with CRs (which, by the way) are not mentioned in the Constitution, and move forward and ignore them? Congress can still operate and pass appropriation bills and present to the President, for future programs. I can’t think of any entitlement to past obligations that were not authorized. Even on a quantum meruit basis, the cost would be much less than whatever is given in a CR.
Gwjack
It’s a stupid way of doing things but they do it around holidays for a reason so members get so frustrated they will vote for whatever their leaders want in order to go home.
Right?
That’s the only reason I can think of..
This CR will extend and run into your Thanksgiving and then XMAS....
Perhaps a little research. Rather then spending the money that is already being spent by the bloated Biden budget a shut down escalates costs sharply.
Direct costs
These are the immediate costs associated with government spending during a shutdown:
Back pay for federal employees: Despite being furloughed (placed on temporary leave), federal employees are required by law to receive back pay once the government reopens.
During the 16-day shutdown in 2013, furloughed employees received about $2.5 billion in back pay.
As of early October 2025, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the daily cost of furloughed employee compensation was roughly $400 million.
Administrative costs: The process of shutting down and restarting government services is costly due to administrative work, contract renegotiations, and paying for unused leave.
Lost revenue: The government loses revenue from national park fees, application fees, and other charges that cannot be collected during a shutdown.
Economic impacts
A shutdown’s effects extend beyond the federal budget to the wider economy:
Reduced GDP: The loss of federal spending, consumer spending by unpaid employees, and halted government contracts can significantly reduce the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The 35-day shutdown from 2018 to 2019 was estimated by the CBO to have reduced real GDP by $11 billion, including a permanent loss of $3 billion.
An October 2025 White House analysis suggests that a shutdown could reduce annualized quarterly GDP by approximately 0.2 percentage points for each week it continues.
Impacts on private business: Small businesses often face delays in processing federal loans and contracts, while other businesses may lose out on permits, certifications, and licenses. Federal contractors, unlike federal employees, are not guaranteed back pay.
Delayed services: Essential government data releases, such as jobs reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, may be delayed, creating greater economic uncertainty for businesses and investors.
Declining consumer confidence: When shutdowns drag on, the economic uncertainty can cause a drop in consumer and business confidence, which in turn can lead to lower consumer spending.
Costs in recent history
Previous shutdowns offer insight into the potential costs:
2018–2019 (35 days): The partial shutdown was estimated by the CBO to cost the economy $11 billion, with $3 billion in permanent losses.
2013 (16 days): A Senate report found that the shutdown cost taxpayers $4 billion, primarily in employee back pay and administrative expenses. The Joint Economic Committee estimated it reduced GDP growth by $20 billion.
That’s why Rand Paul’s actions and “justification” are so wrong.