White House warns of US government shutdown scenario

The White House warned on September 10 that the prolonged debate on the budget issue between lawmakers in the US Congress and the House of Representatives will increase the risk of a government shutdown.

Speaking to reporters, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that if Republican leaders continue to maintain efforts to pass a budget plan along their party's lines, the government will once again have to shut down.

Mr. Earnest emphasized the fact that in recent months, Congress members have not yet had a plan to vote to quickly pass the draft budget for fiscal year 2016.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Congress have about three weeks to reach a government budget deal before an October 1 deadline. Republicans remain steadfast in their opposition to any plan that includes continued funding for the pro-abortion health organization Planned Parenthood.

Last month, US President Barack Obama also urged the US Congress to quickly pass a budget plan before the deadline to avoid the risk of a government shutdown and to avoid causing anxiety for American businesses and workers.

Observers say a government shutdown would have serious consequences, causing millions of people to lose wages and causing economic and financial chaos, especially in the context of China's economic slowdown that has shaken international markets in recent times.

In 2013, the US government was forced to shut down for two weeks, causing hundreds of thousands of federal employees to take unpaid leave, many national parks to close, and causing economic losses of up to 24 billion USD.

The budget estimate for fiscal year 2016 was announced by President Obama in February, according to which the US Government will spend 4,000 billion USD for next year, while the budget deficit is expected to be about 474 billion USD. President Obama is expected to increase budget spending for domestic programs such as building roads and bridges.

The Obama administration will also raise $2 trillion in taxes over the next 10 years by imposing higher taxes on the wealthy, businesses and smokers.

However, Republicans, who currently hold a majority in both houses of Congress, have criticized President Obama's plans to increase domestic spending and reform taxes, saying they will only negatively affect the economy while failing to address the biggest problem: ever-increasing government spending.

According to Vietnam+