×

Will we see some agreement this week?

Federal lawmakers have until the end of this week to come to some decisions, or there will most likely be some form of partial government shutdown.

Congress has been working on spending bills and other pieces of legislation for a variety of programs in recent weeks, with the hope of coming to some agreement.

If not, funding will not be available for government operations beyond this Saturday.

As you probably read on today’s front page, a group of Congressional Democrats, joined by some Republicans, are working toward getting permanent lifelong benefits for retired coal miners.

This is a major issue in several states, including West Virginia, where retired coal miners aren’t necessarily able to afford health insurance, which is needed after many years of working in the mines.

It’s an issue which has been getting kicked down the road over the years, with Congress offering temporary coverage in order to get deals on various pieces of legislation.

Also, President Trump wants to ensure funding is made available for his border wall project — the one he promised Mexico would pay for.

Funding for Planned Parenthood also is being debated.

The last time we had a partial shutdown was in 2013, as a result of the battle over the Affordable Care Act.

We have come close on two occasions since then, the most recent in December over the miners’ health benefits, but last-minute deals were able to keep things going.

Keep in mind, with a partial shutdown, the operations considered essential would remain open, such as the U.S. Postal Service, FBI and air traffic control.

The National Parks Service would be closed, and many other federal employees would be furloughed.

Congress won’t even fully be back in session until Tuesday, as lawmakers begin to return to Washington from their Easter recess.

That leaves only a few days to come to some agreement on the issues at hand.

This also isn’t a situation where the rules can suddenly be changed to fit one side’s needs. If the votes aren’t there, the bills don’t get passed.

This is a time where we see the kind of damage being done as a result of the extreme political polarization in our country. When necessary legislation cannot be passed because no one is able to agree on what programs to fund, or because they are trying to score points with a certain group.

Because of the way government has grown during the nation’s history, Congress now has control of the pursestrings of many of the services this nation needs to thrive.

Our interstate highways, education systems, the treasury, funding for business programs and international commerce, military and veterans services and much more would no longer be available.

Sure, there might be some limited functions of these services available through the states, but how many state governments could afford to add higher-scale services?

West Virginia already is facing financial difficulties, as are many other states.

I know it will be a tall order for many of our elected officials to take their pride, or partisan loyalty, and put it to the side for a while, but that’s what is needed.

Look at what the nation needs. Look at what programs and services actually benefit the people, and come up with an agreement to move forward.

(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today