The 2013 Government Shutdown, also known as the "Shutdown of the United States Federal Government," was a significant event that impacted the country's political landscape and public services. This shutdown occurred due to a failure in Congress to pass legislation funding government operations, leading to a temporary halt in federal activities.
On October 1, 2013, the federal government entered a partial shutdown after the House of Representatives and the Senate were unable to reach an agreement on a continuing resolution to fund government operations. The main point of contention was the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare.
The Shutdown's Impact
The government shutdown had far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of Americans and the economy as a whole. During this period, approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, while another 1.3 million deemed essential continued to work without pay.
The shutdown's impact extended beyond federal employees. National parks and monuments were closed, impacting tourism and local economies. Government-funded research and services were paused, affecting industries such as science, healthcare, and education. The uncertainty surrounding the shutdown also caused a dip in consumer confidence and stock market volatility.
The Vote Count and Key Figures
The 2013 Government Shutdown was a result of a series of votes in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Here's a breakdown of the key votes and their outcomes:
House of Representatives
- Continuing Resolution Vote (September 20, 2013): The House passed a continuing resolution to fund government operations but included a provision to delay the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The vote was 230-189, with all Republicans and 20 Democrats voting in favor.
- Obamacare Funding Vote (September 26, 2013): The House voted to fund the government but strip funding for the Affordable Care Act. This vote was largely symbolic, as it was not expected to pass the Senate. The result was 230-189, with all Republicans and 22 Democrats voting in favor.
- CR with Healthcare Amendment Vote (September 30, 2013): The House voted on a continuing resolution that included an amendment to defund the Affordable Care Act. This vote failed, with a result of 228-201, as some Republicans and most Democrats voted against it.
Senate
- CR with Healthcare Amendment Vote (September 30, 2013): The Senate rejected the House's continuing resolution with the healthcare amendment. The vote was 54-46, with all Democrats and two independents voting against it.
- Clean CR Vote (October 1, 2013): The Senate voted on a "clean" continuing resolution without any amendments related to the Affordable Care Act. This vote failed, with a result of 54-46, as all Republicans and two independents voted against it.
| Vote | Date | House Result | Senate Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing Resolution | September 20, 2013 | 230-189 | N/A |
| Obamacare Funding | September 26, 2013 | 230-189 | N/A |
| CR with Healthcare Amendment | September 30, 2013 | 228-201 | 54-46 |
| Clean CR | October 1, 2013 | N/A | 54-46 |
It's important to note that these votes reflect the complex political landscape at the time, with deep divisions between the two major parties. The inability to reach a compromise led to the government shutdown, highlighting the challenges of governing in a polarized political environment.
Resolution and Aftermath
The government shutdown ended on October 17, 2013, after a temporary spending bill was passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama. This bill, known as the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, funded the government through January 15, 2014, and provided back pay for federal employees who had been furloughed.
The aftermath of the shutdown had lasting effects. It led to a decrease in public approval ratings for Congress and both major political parties. Additionally, the shutdown's impact on the economy and federal services caused many to call for a more collaborative and functional approach to governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the 2013 Government Shutdown?
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The shutdown was primarily caused by a failure to pass a continuing resolution to fund government operations. The main point of contention was the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, with the House and Senate unable to reach a compromise.
How long did the shutdown last?
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The government shutdown lasted for 16 days, from October 1 to October 17, 2013.
What was the impact of the shutdown on federal employees?
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Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, meaning they were temporarily laid off without pay. Another 1.3 million employees were deemed essential and continued to work without pay during the shutdown.
Did the shutdown affect the economy?
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Yes, the shutdown had a significant economic impact. It led to a loss of productivity, decreased consumer confidence, and a dip in the stock market. The shutdown also impacted industries dependent on federal funding, such as tourism and research.
