by Megan Haymond

On October 17, 2013 the government reopened after a fifteen-day shutdown. President Obama addressed the people stating, “There are no winners here.” The president acknowledged the worsened economy and decreased credit the nation suffers due to the shutdown. Obama went on to say, “How we do business around here has to change.” Yet raising the debt ceiling and procrastinating to make actual solutions suggests no changes are to be made in the government. The deal indicated the government is funded through January 15, 2014, and the debt limit is increased until February 7, 2014. But what happens then? Does it not seem like we are only pushing back our problems just to have another government shut down in January or February? President Obama said he did not believe this would all happen again, but we’ll see in a few months. For now, let’s be thankful the shutdown is over and take a look at the terms of reopening the government and what that really means for us.

Remember sequestration? Unfortunately that is still in effect until possible removal in January when the budget will hopefully become more clear. This means continued shortage on programs many count on, such as food for the elderly and certain government workers going home without paychecks. The IRS has taken massive cuts forcing 25,000 positions to be cut making it easier for tax cheats to go unnoticed and many will be out of jobs. However, it has reopened and furloughed workers received their pay and the deficit is predicted to decrease.

A budget committee comprised of 29 members from both the House and Senate are to make a detailed plan for the budget due December 13. Republicans have stated they will continue to push for a repeal of Obamacare and harsher spending cuts. Senator Ted Cruz remarked how disappointed he was with the terms of the deal, stating it is “everything about the Washington establishment that frustrates the American people.” However, Obama seemed optimistic about future discussions after he slammed the Republicans, stating it was a learning experience that demonstrated how the government needs to work together on issues the people care about.

The people are begging for transparency and answers. For the Republicans, I ask them to prioritize and worry about how America is going to pay her bills and look for compromises regarding healthcare. For the Democrats, I ask for compromise and understanding that expanding government powers and spending does not mean the quality of government increases as well. Rather the opposite tends to occur! And to all of Congress I still ask, why were you paid during shutdown when it’s your fault the government shutdown?