Shutdown Will Cost a Lot of Money

Carrie Dann: “If
past is prologue, a looming government shutdown could actually cost
U.S. taxpayers money.  A lot of money. According to the Office of
Management and Budget, the two shutdowns in 1995 and 1996 cost taxpayers
$1.4 billion combined. Adjust for inflation and you’ve got $2 billion
in today’s dollars. Those two shutdowns lasted a total of 27 days, but
there’s no telling how long the government could be shuttered this time
around if Congress fails to act by Monday at midnight. Even shorter
shutdowns have proven successful at draining government funds.”

Washington Post:
“A shutdown of a few days might do little
damage, but economists, lawmakers and analysts are increasingly bracing
for a shutdown that could last a week or more, given the distance
between Republicans and Democrats. Such an outcome would suck money out
of the economy and spread anxiety among consumers and businesses in a
way that is likely to hold back economic activity.”