EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – In six hours, the government is set to shut down if a budget is not passed.
As the possible shutdown nears, federal employees brace for furloughs that could turn into layoffs and agencies may be closing their doors.
Lawmakers seem to think a shutdown is inevitable as both parties cast the blame on each other.
Congressman Derrick Van Orden says he’s concerned about a shutdown and its effect on farmers.
“If people need to get crop insurance, if they need to tie into any of these agricultural programs, they’re going to stop. Those offices will be closed. They’ll be shuttered. All because the Democrat Party has decided to prioritize free health care for illegal aliens over American citizens,” said Van Orden.
Van Orden says he doesn’t see any other course of action other than a shutdown.
Senator Tammy Baldwin also shared concerns about a shutdown, saying she’s trying to do what she can to avoid one.
“I want to be absolutely clear. I don’t want a shutdown. Nobody wins in a shutdown. And I’m working to keep the government open and protect Wisconsinites health care,” said Baldwin.
If there is no deal, the government shutdown is expected to go into effect at midnight tonight. The last full government shutdown was before Christmas 2018 and lasted until almost the end of January.