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Political deadlock over ‘Obamacare’ forces US shutdown Washington, October 1 With neither side blinking, despite last minute hectic efforts from both side, the White House immediately ordered the federal government agencies to begin shutting down, furloughing thousands of workers and curtailing some services for the first time since 1995-96. “Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility. It has failed to pass a budget and, as a result, much of our government must now shut down until Congress funds it again,” Obama said in a video message to the armed services shortly after the shutdown came into effect. “The threats to our national security have not changed, and we need you to be ready for any contingency. Ongoing military operations-like our efforts in Afghanistan-will continue,” he said. “Congress has passed, and I am signing into law, legislation to make sure you get your paychecks on time. And we’ll continue working to address any impact this shutdown has on you and your families,” Obama said. Agencies should now execute plans for an orderly shutdown due to the absence of appropriations, the Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell said her a guidance to the agencies directing them to execute their plans for an orderly shutdown of the Federal government. “We urge Congress to act quickly to pass a Continuing Resolution to provide a short-term bridge that ensures sufficient time to pass a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year, and to restore the operation of critical public services and programs that will be impacted by lapse in appropriations,” the guidance said. Earlier, Obama said, “A shutdown will have a very real economic impact on real people, right away. Past shutdowns have disrupted the economy significantly. This one would, too.”Obamacare launch poised to reach millions Millions of Americans will learn what President Obama’s landmark healthcare law actually means for them, as the administration opens new insurance marketplaces in 50 states despite the shutdown. The launch marks a milestone for Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement, which aims to provide subsidised healthcare to millions of the uninsured, the most ambitious US social programme since Medicare was introduced in the 1960s. — PTI
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