RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – The budget battle in Washington shifts back into the Senate as lawmakers work to avoid a potential government shutdown that would begin Tuesday at midnight.
The shutdown would have big implications for the thousands of federal workers who live in Virginia and might not be allowed to go to work Wednesday morning.
Political experts say there is no doubt a government shutdown would have far-reaching effects and would be a blow to the economy.
The shutdown would mean furloughs for government workers, federal park closures and could impact student and home loan processes.
As the country watches some GOP lawmakers and President Obama tussle, the country gets closer to the first partial government shutdown in nearly two decades.
This weekend the Republican controlled House approved legislation that imposes a one-year delay in key parts of the Affordable Care Act.
Political expert Dr. Bob Holsworth predicts if a shutdown does happen and lasts a few day, people will be inconvenienced.
“But if it goes on well beyond that, however,” said Holsworth. “There are people who will be furloughed who won’t know whether they will ever get their paycheck repaid for what they would’ve worked.”
That does not sit well with voters in our area.
"It's unfortunate for any group of people to lose their jobs or have their pay checks halted,” said Jung Hoon. “And if it were to happen, I think there’s going to be a majority of people will blame Republicans for initiating this process in order to fight universal health care.”
Additionally, Maria Fort called the fact lawmakers cannot reach an agreement “absolute nonsense” and that it is clear they are doing very little to stop the shutdown.
Regardless, Holsworth expects the bipartisan blame game to intensify as the Tuesday deadline nears. He believes the American people will be the ones to lose out in the end.
"No one wants to look like the loser, but the longer this goes on, the more someone is going to look like the loser... And the more citizens are going to lose.”
"It really feels unfortunate that they can't get it together,” said Jen Cole. “I do lose faith in our representatives for not fighting harder together to come up with a solution that doesn't torture so many people."
Some voters were relieved a measure passed by the House this weekend ensures all military workers will still get paychecks even in the event of a partial government shutdown.
