By michael vivar
The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 requires the President to submit a budget to Congress each fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the next calendar year.
The United States Congress must pass an annual budget or risk witnessing a government shutdown.
A government shutdown is as drastic as it sounds. It's staggering that we've experienced 10 since 1981 and come precariously close on more occasions.
Factions in Congress are more fractious than ever. On Sept. 18, the House of Representatives voted against a temporary extension of the budget.
A shutdown looms yet again. If a budget isn't passed by midnight on Oct. 1, many government services will be affected.
Active-duty and reserve U.S. military personnel and many essential federal law enforcement officers would remain on the job but be forced to work without pay.
A government shutdown would complicate new emergency response efforts, including in the Gulf Coast. The area was recently struck by Hurricane Francine.
Air traffic control and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would operate with reduced staff, leading to delays, long wait times and safety concerns.
Federal loans to small businesses will be impacted. The U.S. Small Business Administration will not accept, review or approve any new lending to small businesses.
Users of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and other organizations like it would lose benefits.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's could be forced to delay food safety and prescription drug manufacturing inspections.
This doesn't represent the full scope of a government shutdown. It would also include the closing of national parks and the delay of infrastructure projects.
Those who wish to have a say in the matter can find and contact their U.S. Congressperson here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative