White House warns of repeat of US government shutdown scenario

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

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

Mr. Earnest emphasized the fact that in recent months, Congressmen 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 Oct. 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 their 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, shutting down a series of national parks, and causing economic losses of up to $24 billion.

The budget for fiscal year 2016, announced by President Obama in February, shows that the US government will spend $4 trillion next year, while the budget deficit is expected to be around $474 billion. President Obama is expected to increase spending on 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 majorities 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+