Feds tell agencies to prepare for possible shutdown

By Leada Gore | lgore@al.com
December 11, 2014 at 5:38 PM, updated December 11, 2014 at 5:39 PM

Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

Federal agencies are being advised to prepare for a possible government shutdown at midnight tonight.

The Office of Management and Budget held a conference call Thursday to instruct federal agencies on the intricacies of a shutdown, Wall Street Journal reported.

The $1.1 trillion spending package is held up in the House, with Speaker John Boehner struggling to get enough votes to pass the measure. President Barack Obama has tried unsuccessfully to get Democrats on board, despite strong opposition from party leaders upset over campaign finance and banking additions. Conservative Republicans oppose the measure because it does nothing to cut funding for Obama's immigration plans.

Boehner is threatening to put off any holiday recess until an agreement is reached.

"If we don't finish this today, we're going to be here 'til Christmas," Boehner said today.

Previous shutdowns
Most federal offices were closed Oct. 1-16 2013 when Congress couldn't agree on a spending bill. The majority of employees were initially sent home, with a portion, including those that work for the Department of Defense, recalled shortly after.

A class action lawsuit has been filed by those who were required to work during the shutdown, claiming their delay in pay violated the law.

OMB told Government Executive the conference call was held out of an "abundance of caution."

"We continue to believe that time remains for Congress to pass full-year appropriations for (fiscal year) 2015 and prevent a government shutdown," an OMB official said. "However, out of an abundance of caution, we are working with agencies and taking steps to prepare for all contingencies, including a potential lapse in funding."

Agencies were required to develop shutdown plans ahead of the 2013 closure. The plans include who would be required to remain on the job and which employees would be furloughed.

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