JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX Political Analyst Rick Mullaney discussed the repercussions of the week-long government shutdown, which affects many federal employees, contractors, and international airports in Jacksonville.
He suggested that the city could feel the effects of the shutdown quicker than other areas.
“There’s a tendency to believe that all the federal workers are in Washington, D.C., because many are, but many are right here in Jacksonville,” he said.
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He also explained how neither the president nor Congress can end the shutdown unilaterally because both parties must agree and pass funding.
“We’re in day eight. This is already longer than 11 previous shutdowns,” he said.
Mullaney stated that the situation ultimately requires a compromise between the Republicans, who are advocating for a continuing resolution to finance the government until November 21, allowing time for healthcare discussions, and the Democrats, who are pushing for an immediate extension of subsidies for Obamacare and Medicaid funding.
Politically, polling currently gives Democrats a slight edge, but the situation is fluid, according to Mullaney.
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