The government is responsible each year for creating a spending budget for the fiscal year ahead. They can delay the process multiple times, which was done this year. Due to the multiple delays and the lack of timely decision-making, this resulted in a government shutdown. The U.S. government has been shut down for six full days as of Oct. 6.

Many everyday citizens feel as though it does not affect them; however, the shutdown affects millions. Social security and Medicare cheques will still be sent out, although benefit verification and card issuance work may stop. Another interesting effect of the shutdown is that the national parks are only partially open.

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