If such a shutdown comes to pass, it will be a costly and stupid one, just like other shutdowns that preceded it. The federal government does not save money when it grinds to a halt and federal workers stop working. The potential shutdown this week may be less costly than past shutdowns due to its limited scope. A shutdown happens when Congress and the White House can’t agree on a deal to fund the federal government. Within those agencies, certain “essential” personnel would continue going about their jobs, to be paid retroactively once the government reopens.

Source: Huffington Post December 17, 2018 19:52 UTC