Once again, I see that apparently no one on this board actually understands how the decisions on what is shut down are made and why. Guess what, can you say legally mandated by federal law. Yep, that's right folks. Unless something already has the funds allocated, the DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS, can be subject to fines and/or imprisonment. The only exemptions to the shutdown concern "emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property". This little 19th century gem is know as the Antideficiency Act.
From the GAO website:
The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal employees from
making or authorizing an expenditure from, or creating or authorizing an obligation under, any appropriation or fund in excess of the amount available in the appropriation or fund unless authorized by law. 31 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1)(A).
involving the government in any obligation to pay money before funds have been appropriated for that purpose, unless otherwise allowed by law. 31 U.S.C. § 1341(a)(1)(B).
accepting voluntary services for the United States, or employing personal services not authorized by law, except in cases of emergency involving the safety of human life or the protection of property. 31 U.S.C. § 1342.
making obligations or expenditures in excess of an apportionment or reapportionment, or in excess of the amount permitted by agency regulations. 31 U.S.C. § 1517(a).
Federal employees who violate the Antideficiency Act are subject to two types of sanctions: administrative and penal. Employees may be subject to appropriate administrative discipline including, when circumstances warrant, suspension from duty without pay or removal from office. In addition, employees may also be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both.
This was reported on last Tuesday.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/143-ol...193436176.html
This link is from the GAO and is contained in the story.
http://www.gao.gov/legal/lawresource...ackground.html
Yes, even though the actual decisions are made within each department, I am sure there is still quite a bit of politicking going on.