President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the budget negotiations, in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Sept. 30, 2013.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
If Congress does not fulfill its responsibility to pass a budget today, much of the United States government will be forced to shut down tomorrow.
This afternoon, President Obama delivered remarks from the White House Press Briefing Room about what that shutdown would mean for the country.
While some services will continue — social security checks, postal service, operations related to national security or public safety –- a number of changes would go into effect immediately.
Office buildings would close. Paychecks would be delayed. Vital services that seniors and veterans, women and children, businesses and our economy depend on would be hamstrung. Business owners would see delays in raising capital, seeking infrastructure permits, or rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. Veterans who’ve sacrificed for their country will find their support centers unstaffed. Tourists will find every one of America’s national parks and monuments, from Yosemite to the Smithsonian to the Statue of Liberty, immediately closed. And of course, the communities and small businesses that rely on these national treasures for their livelihoods will be out of customers and out of luck.
A shutdown would also disrupt the economy, President Obama said. “It would throw a wrench into the gears of our economy at a time when those gears have gained some traction.”
Fonte: White House