The current government shutdown is costing taxpayers a large sum of money. According to data, it costs $400 million each day to pay federal workers who are not working.
Senator Joni Ernst has spoken out about the issue. She believes that the shutdown, driven by disagreements over spending, is not a good use of taxpayer money. She stated that the current situation has become a “billion-dollar boondoggle”
A law from 2019 says that these workers must be paid even when they are not working. The Congressional Budget Office says this costs about $400 million each day.
The shutdown began because lawmakers could not agree on a budget. Some believe the shutdown is happening because of disagreements about healthcare for those living in the country illegally.
The White House is also unhappy with the situation. A White House spokesman said that it’s wrong to spend so much money when the government is not fully working.
Former President Trump said that there could be some good that comes from the shutdown. He believes it could be a chance to cut wasteful spending. The administration is considering laying off some federal workers during the shutdown to save money.
The White House Press Secretary has indicated that “thousands” of government workers could be affected.
