Impending Government Shutdown Threatens Economy and Data Availability

The chances of a government shutdown have risen to almost 90%, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Congress is running out of time to pass a funding bill before the deadline of September 30, risking federal workers going without pay. Committee President Maya MacGuineas suggests a short-term continuing resolution to buy more time for negotiations, but House Republicans are divided over its duration and whether other provisions should be attached. MacGuineas argues for a "clean" continuing resolution to address issues separately and calls for a rethinking of the country's budget process.