Part 15/16:
A shutdown would result in furloughs for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, halting services across national parks, passport processing, and other critical functions. Market volatility could increase amid fears of governmental instability, further complicating an already tense political landscape.
The Broader Context
This recurring crisis exemplifies Washington’s chronic dysfunction, with little consensus on fiscal priorities. As blame continues to be assigned, the nation edges closer to a shutdown that could disrupt daily life and economic stability.