Comparing 1995 gov't shutdown to this shutdown in 2013
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- All government shutdowns are not created equal.In 1995 and 1996, disagreement over federal spending levels between the Republican-controlled Congress -- led by House Speaker Newt Gingrich -- and then-President Bill Clinton led the government to partially shut down twice.Government services were cut, federal workers were furloughed and hostility toward politicians grew.Now that a government shutdown has happened again -- this time after the Senate, run by Democrats, and the GOP-controlled House couldn't come to an agreement on funding the government by midnight on Tuesday -- it would be easy to compare the two shutdowns.The reality: the atmosphere, the lack of negotiations between leaders and the economy were all different in 1995, and this most recent shutdown is markedly different.Here is why:1.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- All government shutdowns are not created equal.In 1995 and 1996, disagreement over federal spending levels between the Republican-controlled Congress -- led by House Speaker Newt Gingrich -- and then-President Bill Clinton led the government to partially shut down twice.Government services were cut, federal workers were furloughed and hostility toward politicians grew.Now that a government shutdown has happened again -- this time after the Senate, run by Democrats, and the GOP-controlled House couldn't come to an agreement on funding the government by midnight on Tuesday -- it would be easy to compare the two shutdowns.The reality: the atmosphere, the lack of negotiations between leaders and the economy were all different in 1995, and this most recent shutdown is markedly different.Here is why:1.
Federal workers can collect unemployment during shutdown
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Federal workers who lose pay during the government shutdown can fall back on unemployment benefits in most states.But the money comes with a catch.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Federal workers who lose pay during the government shutdown can fall back on unemployment benefits in most states.But the money comes with a catch.
Business as usual at Supreme Court and other federal courts
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It was business as usual at the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts, which are immune -- at least temporarily -- from the government shutdown.The justices have been back from summer break for several weeks, and issued a long summary on Tuesday of pending business.The court accepted eight appeals for review, including a copyright dispute over an Academy Award-winning movie.Federal courts nationwide opened the day with full staff and services.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It was business as usual at the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts, which are immune -- at least temporarily -- from the government shutdown.The justices have been back from summer break for several weeks, and issued a long summary on Tuesday of pending business.The court accepted eight appeals for review, including a copyright dispute over an Academy Award-winning movie.Federal courts nationwide opened the day with full staff and services.
Busloads of veterans break past World War II Memorial barricade
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Busloads of World War II veterans, many in wheelchairs, broke past a barricade Tuesday morning to cross into the World War II Memorial, as onlookers applauded and a man playing the bagpipes led the way.Moments earlier, a few Republican members of Congress had removed a section of the black gates that surrounded the site, allowing a line of veterans to roll past security officers, who willingly stood aside.Veteran Donald Quinn of Pascagoula, Mississippi, said he was pleased with his visit to the memorial, despite the initial blockade."I'm surprised to see so many people here and so many important people, but I've enjoyed it," he said. "At first I didn't think I'd come, but I'm glad I did."The National Park Service closed all of its parks, including national memorials, as a result of the federal government shutdown that went into effect at 12:01 a.m ET.But a spokeswoman from the National Mall and Parks Service said efforts were no longer being made to hold anyone back."These are important visitors," she told reporters, adding that they're seeking guidance from the director's office on "where we go next.""Obviously we did not want to do anything to mar the trip of these people," she said, saying the visitors came from Mississippi and Iowa. "They've come here specifically to see the memorial that was built for them."Some Republican members of Congress and a Democratic senator were on site, blasting the federal government for fencing off the memorial.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Busloads of World War II veterans, many in wheelchairs, broke past a barricade Tuesday morning to cross into the World War II Memorial, as onlookers applauded and a man playing the bagpipes led the way.Moments earlier, a few Republican members of Congress had removed a section of the black gates that surrounded the site, allowing a line of veterans to roll past security officers, who willingly stood aside.Veteran Donald Quinn of Pascagoula, Mississippi, said he was pleased with his visit to the memorial, despite the initial blockade."I'm surprised to see so many people here and so many important people, but I've enjoyed it," he said. "At first I didn't think I'd come, but I'm glad I did."The National Park Service closed all of its parks, including national memorials, as a result of the federal government shutdown that went into effect at 12:01 a.m ET.But a spokeswoman from the National Mall and Parks Service said efforts were no longer being made to hold anyone back."These are important visitors," she told reporters, adding that they're seeking guidance from the director's office on "where we go next.""Obviously we did not want to do anything to mar the trip of these people," she said, saying the visitors came from Mississippi and Iowa. "They've come here specifically to see the memorial that was built for them."Some Republican members of Congress and a Democratic senator were on site, blasting the federal government for fencing off the memorial.
Need a passport? Don't worry during shutdown, State Department says
(CNN) -- For Americans applying for a passport, or citizens of other countries trying to get a visa to the United States, the current government shutdown won't have any effect, the State Department says.The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are "national security agencies," which means they have national security responsibilities such as representing the United States overseas and representing to Americans what the country's foreign interests are.Therefore, State Department spokeswoman Jan Psaki told reporters, they will continue working despite the shutdown."Regardless of the challenges a shutdown would create, we will continue to operate to advance national interests and protect the health and safety of American citizens and those living abroad," she said at a press briefing Monday.Long-term effects might differ, but State Department and USAID activities "can be sustained on a limited basis for a short period of time," Psaki explained.
(CNN) -- For Americans applying for a passport, or citizens of other countries trying to get a visa to the United States, the current government shutdown won't have any effect, the State Department says.The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are "national security agencies," which means they have national security responsibilities such as representing the United States overseas and representing to Americans what the country's foreign interests are.Therefore, State Department spokeswoman Jan Psaki told reporters, they will continue working despite the shutdown."Regardless of the challenges a shutdown would create, we will continue to operate to advance national interests and protect the health and safety of American citizens and those living abroad," she said at a press briefing Monday.Long-term effects might differ, but State Department and USAID activities "can be sustained on a limited basis for a short period of time," Psaki explained.
Google Doodle honors Yosemite - a national park you can't visit
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The "doodle" on Google's homepage on Tuesday honors the 123rd anniversary of Yosemite National Park -- which is currently closed, due to the government shutdown.All 59 national parks are managed by the federal government, so they are victims of the shutdown that began Tuesday at midnight.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The "doodle" on Google's homepage on Tuesday honors the 123rd anniversary of Yosemite National Park -- which is currently closed, due to the government shutdown.All 59 national parks are managed by the federal government, so they are victims of the shutdown that began Tuesday at midnight.
Hyundai defers car payments for government workers
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Federal employees who are current owners of Hyundai vehicles will be allowed to stop making car payments for as long as the shutdown keeps them out of work, Hyundai Motor America announced Tuesday.Also, during the month of October, furloughed employees will be able to buy or lease a new Hyundai vehicle and not make payments for three months.The offer applies only to vehicles purchased or leased through Hyundai Capital of America, the South Korea-based automaker's U.S. financing division.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Federal employees who are current owners of Hyundai vehicles will be allowed to stop making car payments for as long as the shutdown keeps them out of work, Hyundai Motor America announced Tuesday.Also, during the month of October, furloughed employees will be able to buy or lease a new Hyundai vehicle and not make payments for three months.The offer applies only to vehicles purchased or leased through Hyundai Capital of America, the South Korea-based automaker's U.S. financing division.
On first day of gov't shutdown, many furloughed
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- Tens of thousands of federal workers came to work on the first day of the government shutdown Tuesday to sign furlough paperwork and turn on their out-of-office voicemail and email.A few lucky ones discovered they were able to stay on the job for at least a few more days.Workers who work at Housing and Urban Development, the Internal Revenue Service and a handful of other agencies went to the office for up to four hours to help shut down their offices."It was definitely rush, rush, rush," said Pete Randazzo, president of civilian workers at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, Calif., who was among 1,500 workers on furlough at the school. "Everything was last-minute."Meanwhile, some of the 400,000 workers at the Department of Defense who expected to be furloughed learned instead that they might get to stay on the job longer, thanks to new legislation from Congress, which President Obama signed into law Monday night aimed at supporting the troops.A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the new law may keep more civilian workers on the job they support active duty military personnel."Our lawyers believe that maybe we can expand the exempt status," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday.At the Texas Red River Army Depot, which refurbishes military vehicles, most of the 2,300 civilian workers learned Tuesday that they would continue to stay on the job and get paid.
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- Tens of thousands of federal workers came to work on the first day of the government shutdown Tuesday to sign furlough paperwork and turn on their out-of-office voicemail and email.A few lucky ones discovered they were able to stay on the job for at least a few more days.Workers who work at Housing and Urban Development, the Internal Revenue Service and a handful of other agencies went to the office for up to four hours to help shut down their offices."It was definitely rush, rush, rush," said Pete Randazzo, president of civilian workers at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, Calif., who was among 1,500 workers on furlough at the school. "Everything was last-minute."Meanwhile, some of the 400,000 workers at the Department of Defense who expected to be furloughed learned instead that they might get to stay on the job longer, thanks to new legislation from Congress, which President Obama signed into law Monday night aimed at supporting the troops.A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the new law may keep more civilian workers on the job they support active duty military personnel."Our lawyers believe that maybe we can expand the exempt status," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday.At the Texas Red River Army Depot, which refurbishes military vehicles, most of the 2,300 civilian workers learned Tuesday that they would continue to stay on the job and get paid.
U.S. government shuts down as Congress can't agree on spending bill
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. government shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday after the House and the Senate couldn't agree on a spending bill to fund the government.The two sides bickered and blamed each other for more than a week over Obamacare, the president's signature health care law.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. government shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday after the House and the Senate couldn't agree on a spending bill to fund the government.The two sides bickered and blamed each other for more than a week over Obamacare, the president's signature health care law.
Seven things not to worry about in event of government shutdown
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Worried that the looming government shutdown means you won't receive your Social Security check?
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Worried that the looming government shutdown means you won't receive your Social Security check?
How can Congress prevent a shutdown?
(CNN) -- How do over 500 men and women sworn to uphold and defend Constitutional duties that include "the power of the purse" keep government running after 12:01 a.m. Tuesday?It appears simple: pass an identical funding bill in both chambers of Congress.
(CNN) -- How do over 500 men and women sworn to uphold and defend Constitutional duties that include "the power of the purse" keep government running after 12:01 a.m. Tuesday?It appears simple: pass an identical funding bill in both chambers of Congress.
Defiant House delays Obamacare; government shutdown looms
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a move that makes a government shutdown very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law is a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday."The Republicans' first try was to defund Obamacare.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a move that makes a government shutdown very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law is a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday."The Republicans' first try was to defund Obamacare.
Government agencies roll out possible shutdown plans
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- What looked last week like a game of political hot potato has become a high-stakes game of chicken, with continued operation of the federal government and possible wider impact on the overall economy hanging in the balance.In a move that makes a shutdown appear very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature health care law would be a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.Congress could avert a shutdown by passing a temporary spending measure while the two chambers work out their differences.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- What looked last week like a game of political hot potato has become a high-stakes game of chicken, with continued operation of the federal government and possible wider impact on the overall economy hanging in the balance.In a move that makes a shutdown appear very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature health care law would be a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.Congress could avert a shutdown by passing a temporary spending measure while the two chambers work out their differences.
NAACP Milwaukee shares info on Affordable Care Act
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As the first day of open enrollment approaches, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is spreading the word about an important resource for those with lingering questions about the Affordable Care Act."There are so many people in our community who are uninsured or under-insured or just don't know what to do now that the act is going into effect," said James Hall, President of NAACP - Milwaukee Branch.During its monthly meeting, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is reaching out to its thousand members and offering some advice."There is so much out there.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As the first day of open enrollment approaches, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is spreading the word about an important resource for those with lingering questions about the Affordable Care Act."There are so many people in our community who are uninsured or under-insured or just don't know what to do now that the act is going into effect," said James Hall, President of NAACP - Milwaukee Branch.During its monthly meeting, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is reaching out to its thousand members and offering some advice."There is so much out there.
House GOP plans another Obamacare vote on shutdown deal
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With a possible government shutdown looming, House Republicans planned votes Saturday on a spending proposal that also would delay Obamacare for a year and wipe out its tax on medical devices in defiance of threatened rejection by Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama.The decision that emerged from a rare weekend GOP caucus meeting called by House Speaker John Boehner increased the chances for at least a brief shutdown of the government starting Tuesday.Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the Republican strategy "pointless" and said the Democratic-led Senate would reject the GOP alternatives, while the White House said Obama would veto the House proposal if it reached his desk.A separate White House statement said voting for the GOP measure "is voting for a shutdown."The partisan back-forth over the spending plan -- called a continuing resolution in legislative jargon -- came after the Senate on Friday restored funding for Obamacare that House Republicans stripped from their original version and sent the proposal back to the House.Boehner convened his caucus on Saturday to forge a counteroffer to the Senate changes that restored funding for Obama's signature health care reforms that are despised by the GOP's tea party conservative wing in Congress.A statement by Boehner and other House GOP leaders said Saturday's votes would be on "two amendments to the Senate-passed continuing resolution that will keep the government open and stop as much of the president's health care law as possible."One amendment would delay full implementation of Obamacare for a year, and another "permanently repeals" the medical device tax that the statement said was "sending jobs overseas."The amendments the House will consider Saturday also would fund the government until December 15, a month longer than the Senate version.Military pay in a shutdownShowing that the House Republicans don't expect the Senate to accept their changes, the leaders' statement said a separate vote Saturday would ensure that the military gets paid in the event of a government shutdown.Officials estimate the military pay could be affected by a shutdown as soon as Oct. 14, and the GOP move was considered a political gesture to shield the party from criticism that its brinksmanship could hurt U.S. fighting forces.Reid said the Republican tactics amounted to what he described as extortion by "tea party anarchists.""To be absolutely clear, the Senate will reject both the one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act and the repeal of the medical device tax," Reid said in a statement. "After weeks of futile political games from Republicans, we are still at square one."Meanwhile, the White House made clear on Saturday that Obama dismisses any effort to tie provisions undermining Obamacare to the spending measure needed to prevent a government shutdown."Republicans have tried and failed to defund or delay the health care law more than 40 times, and they know this demand is reckless and irresponsible," said the statement from White House spokesman Jay Carney, adding that Obama would not negotiate on Obamacare or spending issues "under threats of a government shutdown that will hurt our economy."Shutdown deadline loomsReid previously warned that any changes to the Senate's version by the House would result in at least the start of a government shutdown because of the time it would take to reconsider the proposal.A Senate Democratic source told CNN there were no plans to convene the Senate before Monday, when the current fiscal year ends.Republican Rep.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With a possible government shutdown looming, House Republicans planned votes Saturday on a spending proposal that also would delay Obamacare for a year and wipe out its tax on medical devices in defiance of threatened rejection by Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama.The decision that emerged from a rare weekend GOP caucus meeting called by House Speaker John Boehner increased the chances for at least a brief shutdown of the government starting Tuesday.Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the Republican strategy "pointless" and said the Democratic-led Senate would reject the GOP alternatives, while the White House said Obama would veto the House proposal if it reached his desk.A separate White House statement said voting for the GOP measure "is voting for a shutdown."The partisan back-forth over the spending plan -- called a continuing resolution in legislative jargon -- came after the Senate on Friday restored funding for Obamacare that House Republicans stripped from their original version and sent the proposal back to the House.Boehner convened his caucus on Saturday to forge a counteroffer to the Senate changes that restored funding for Obama's signature health care reforms that are despised by the GOP's tea party conservative wing in Congress.A statement by Boehner and other House GOP leaders said Saturday's votes would be on "two amendments to the Senate-passed continuing resolution that will keep the government open and stop as much of the president's health care law as possible."One amendment would delay full implementation of Obamacare for a year, and another "permanently repeals" the medical device tax that the statement said was "sending jobs overseas."The amendments the House will consider Saturday also would fund the government until December 15, a month longer than the Senate version.Military pay in a shutdownShowing that the House Republicans don't expect the Senate to accept their changes, the leaders' statement said a separate vote Saturday would ensure that the military gets paid in the event of a government shutdown.Officials estimate the military pay could be affected by a shutdown as soon as Oct. 14, and the GOP move was considered a political gesture to shield the party from criticism that its brinksmanship could hurt U.S. fighting forces.Reid said the Republican tactics amounted to what he described as extortion by "tea party anarchists.""To be absolutely clear, the Senate will reject both the one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act and the repeal of the medical device tax," Reid said in a statement. "After weeks of futile political games from Republicans, we are still at square one."Meanwhile, the White House made clear on Saturday that Obama dismisses any effort to tie provisions undermining Obamacare to the spending measure needed to prevent a government shutdown."Republicans have tried and failed to defund or delay the health care law more than 40 times, and they know this demand is reckless and irresponsible," said the statement from White House spokesman Jay Carney, adding that Obama would not negotiate on Obamacare or spending issues "under threats of a government shutdown that will hurt our economy."Shutdown deadline loomsReid previously warned that any changes to the Senate's version by the House would result in at least the start of a government shutdown because of the time it would take to reconsider the proposal.A Senate Democratic source told CNN there were no plans to convene the Senate before Monday, when the current fiscal year ends.Republican Rep.
Senate prepares to toss shutdown hot potato back to House
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It's a congressional version of hot potato that will determine if a government shutdown begins as soon as Tuesday.The Democratic-led Senate on Friday is expected to pass its preferred short-term spending plan to keep the government funded beyond the end of the current fiscal year on Monday, which would toss it back to the Republican-led House.That would set up a weekend showdown between Republican House Speaker John Boehner and tea party conservatives in his GOP caucus who demand that any spending measure must eliminate all money for Obamacare.In its votes Friday, the Senate will first decide whether to formally close debate on the House version of the spending plan that eliminates all funding for Obamacare.Then the Democratic majority is expected to change the measure to restore the Obamacare funding, followed by a final vote of approval to return it to the House.Boehner indicated Thursday that the House could revise the Senate's version and send that back, a move that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid warned would result in at least the start of a government shutdown next week because of the time it would take the Senate to reconsider the measure.The Republican who became the face of the tea party push to defund Obamacare, Sen.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It's a congressional version of hot potato that will determine if a government shutdown begins as soon as Tuesday.The Democratic-led Senate on Friday is expected to pass its preferred short-term spending plan to keep the government funded beyond the end of the current fiscal year on Monday, which would toss it back to the Republican-led House.That would set up a weekend showdown between Republican House Speaker John Boehner and tea party conservatives in his GOP caucus who demand that any spending measure must eliminate all money for Obamacare.In its votes Friday, the Senate will first decide whether to formally close debate on the House version of the spending plan that eliminates all funding for Obamacare.Then the Democratic majority is expected to change the measure to restore the Obamacare funding, followed by a final vote of approval to return it to the House.Boehner indicated Thursday that the House could revise the Senate's version and send that back, a move that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid warned would result in at least the start of a government shutdown next week because of the time it would take the Senate to reconsider the measure.The Republican who became the face of the tea party push to defund Obamacare, Sen.
Obamacare open enrollment: Here's what you need to know
(CNN) -- Amy Braun-Gross is counting the hours until October 1.It's not her birthday nor her anniversary.October 1 is the day that marks the first time ever she will be allowed to buy health insurance.Like more than 48 million other Americans, the Wisconsin stay-at-home mom does not have insurance to pay for doctor bills if she gets sick.
(CNN) -- Amy Braun-Gross is counting the hours until October 1.It's not her birthday nor her anniversary.October 1 is the day that marks the first time ever she will be allowed to buy health insurance.Like more than 48 million other Americans, the Wisconsin stay-at-home mom does not have insurance to pay for doctor bills if she gets sick.
Sen. Ted Cruz halts Obamacare attack almost 22 hours later
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He read the children's book "Green Eggs and Ham," impersonated Darth Vader and recited a detailed history of risks faced by the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.Almost 22 hours after he started, Republican Sen.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He read the children's book "Green Eggs and Ham," impersonated Darth Vader and recited a detailed history of risks faced by the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.Almost 22 hours after he started, Republican Sen.
Government shutdown, Fed timing looms large for stock market
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Uncertainty continues to loom large over the stock market.Investors have a list of unanswered questions weighing on them.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Uncertainty continues to loom large over the stock market.Investors have a list of unanswered questions weighing on them.
Troops could face pay delays if government shuts down
(CNN) -- U.S. troops throughout the world -- including those fighting in Afghanistan -- could face delays in getting their paychecks if the government shuts down, according to the Defense Department.On Monday, all 1.4 million active-duty personnel and 800,000 civilians were informed the department is now preparing for a shutdown if a budget deal with Congress is not reached.The department has been "directed to review and update plans" for a shutdown that could result in delayed pay for all members of the department, according to DOD Press Secretary George Little.
(CNN) -- U.S. troops throughout the world -- including those fighting in Afghanistan -- could face delays in getting their paychecks if the government shuts down, according to the Defense Department.On Monday, all 1.4 million active-duty personnel and 800,000 civilians were informed the department is now preparing for a shutdown if a budget deal with Congress is not reached.The department has been "directed to review and update plans" for a shutdown that could result in delayed pay for all members of the department, according to DOD Press Secretary George Little.