MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Government funding is running out. And while the effects of a shutdown might not be seen in the short term, leaders said there’s still a lot on the line.
“Well, the reason we all freak out, is because it’s a big deal,” said Rick Pate, commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
Pate said USDA funding is at stake for Alabama’s meat inspection and pesticide programs. He said in the short term, some funding has already been pulled down that will keep the food safety programs going.
“A month, we might have to start thinking about how we’re gonna get through it,” he explained. “But, probably longer than that, then there might be some programs that are probably important to Alabamians, important to public health, that will be impacted.”
According to Alabama Arise, a program that’s important to 130,000 Alabamians is the Affordable Care Act. Carol Gundlach, senior policy analyst, said this tax credit could run out at the end of the year if Congress doesn’t act now.
“There are all kinds of reasons people should be worried. Not so much about the shutdown, but over the stakes involved in reconciling the difference of opinion,” she said.
Alabama’s congressional delegation has a difference of opinion on those stakes. “It seems to me that, if there is a government shutdown, it will be at the hands and because of the inaction of Republicans,” remarked Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL). “It will be a Republican government shutdown.”
“It’s ridiculous for them to say that it’s on us,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL). “We’ve already passed the bill, which continues the same funding levels of the Biden administration, actually, that they voted for.”
According to The Hill, the Senate could keep the floor open until late tonight debating last minute funding proposals. Otherwise, the government will shut down at midnight Tuesday.
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