A United States government shutdown began on Dec. 22 due to a disagreement between President Donald Trump and the Democrats.

This government shutdown is affecting many more citizens than people would believe. President Trump needs to end the shutdown, before things get worse for the nation.

On Dec. 21, the president requested adding $5.7 billion to new federal spending legislation before the previous spending expired. The shutdown went into full affect the following day, and is still ongoing.

The recent government shutdown is the longest the United States has ever had, this being the thirty-fourth day it has continued.

This government shutdown has affected more than 800,000 federal works. Federal workers deemed “essential” are required to work without pay while others are furloughed, or placed on temporary leave.

Besides the workers that are on leave, many other Americans are affected as well. Multiple national parks are shut down, the speed of tax refunds will be affected, and TSA (Transportation Security Administration) workers are now working without pay, leaving America’s security to an unpaid workforce.

This shutdown will end up affecting many more citizens if it lasts through February. For example, food stamp recipients in Kansas received their February benefits early, but if the government does not reopen they will not receive March food stamps.

It is irresponsible for both sides of the government to use hundreds of thousands of citizens’ jobs as leverage to get what they want.

Thirty-four days is enough. The American people need to get back to work. Democrats and Republicans can surely understand that.

For now, they should table to argument over the wall and focus on passing the budget so people can get back to work.

21mmcbride@usd489.com