The Whitsdom Press

Tag: government

  • GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ALERT: It’s the Longest Ever!

    How Many Days Are We In The US Government Shutdown?

    As of today, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the US federal government has been in a shutdown for 36 days.

    This closure, which began on October 1, 2025, has broken the record to become the longest government shutdown in United States history.

    A Grim Milestone: Longest on Record

    This shutdown officially surpassed the previous record of 35 days, which occurred from December 2018 to January 2019. This means the political impasse has now created the most prolonged interruption of government services the nation has ever faced.

    🛑 Why Is the Government Shut Down? The Core Conflict

    A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass the necessary appropriations (spending) bills or a temporary Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund federal agencies for the new fiscal year, which begins on October 1st.

    The current, record-breaking standoff is rooted in a fundamental disagreement over healthcare spending:

    • The Democratic Stance: Democrats in the Senate are demanding that any funding bill includes an extension of enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These subsidies were expanded during the COVID-19 relief efforts and help millions of Americans afford health insurance. They are set to expire soon.
    • The Republican Stance: Republicans, who control the House and are in a slim majority in the Senate, have refused to include the ACA subsidy extension, insisting that a “clean” Continuing Resolution—one without policy changes—must pass first to reopen the government.

    Because neither side has conceded, funding lapsed, and all non-essential government operations ceased, leading to the current closure.

    📉 What Has Changed Among Americans? The Economic and Social Toll

    A protracted shutdown affects far more than just Washington politics. It creates significant disruption and economic damage across the country.

    Economy and Jobs

    Impact AreaChange/Effect During Shutdown
    Federal WorkersApproximately 900,000 federal employees have been either furloughed (sent home without pay) or deemed “excepted” (required to work without a paycheck). This includes TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and FBI staff.
    Economic Output (GDP)The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the shutdown is already costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that may never be recovered.
    Data BlackoutThe release of critical federal economic statistics—including major reports on employment, trade, and GDP—has been delayed. This data vacuum makes it harder for businesses and investors to make informed decisions.
    Small BusinessesFederal contract work is paused, putting billions of dollars in payments at risk for private-sector contractors, particularly small businesses that rely on government checks.

    Social Services and Public Health

    • Food Assistance (SNAP): Millions of low-income Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, have faced major uncertainty. Although some emergency funds have been released, the timely delivery and full funding for this essential program remain in jeopardy.
    • Healthcare Costs: The political fight centers on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. If they expire, millions of Americans using the federal marketplace could see their health insurance premiums spike by an average of 26%—a massive financial burden.
    • Air Travel Safety: Staffing shortages and financial stress on essential but unpaid workers like air traffic controllers and TSA officers have led to warnings of mass flight delays, potential safety risks, and operational reductions at major U.S. airports.
    • Childcare and Education: Over 65,000 children across multiple states and territories risk losing access to Head Start early education programs, disrupting childcare for low-income families and forcing parents out of the workforce.

    Conclusion: A Costly Political Deadlock

    The current 36-day government shutdown is not a result of a financial crisis or external emergency; it is a self-imposed political stalemate. The cost of this deadlock is being paid by hundreds of thousands of public servants who are missing paychecks and by millions of vulnerable Americans whose essential services—from food aid to affordable healthcare—are being disrupted. The longer this record-breaking closure continues, the deeper the economic and social consequences will be.

  • Tech Tariffs Delayed: What It Means for Consumers

    Big news for shoppers and tech companies—the U.S. government just hit pause on tariffs that threatened to send prices of everyday gadgets skyrocketing. Here’s what’s going down:

    What Happened?
    In a sigh-of-relief move, both the Trump and Biden administrations have taken action. They have spared smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming gear (like iPhones, MacBooks, and PS5s) from heavy import taxes. The latest decision extends this tariff break until the end of 2025, avoiding what could’ve been a holiday shopping nightmare.

    Why It Matters
    The timing couldn’t be better. With holiday shopping coming soon, this pause means you won’t see sudden price spikes on tech gifts or upgrades. Behind the scenes, tech CEOs and retailers were reportedly in full panic mode, lobbying hard to keep costs down. One analyst even called the original tariffs “Armageddon for big tech,” highlighting how dire the situation could’ve been for companies dependent on global supply chains.

    But Don’t Get Too Comfy…
    There’s a catch: this break might not last forever. The exemptions are temporary, and officials are still debating whether to reintroduce smaller tariffs later. Some in Washington want to keep pressuring China on trade issues. Others argue that everyday shoppers shouldn’t bear the brunt of this economic tug-of-war. Meanwhile, industries like clothing and furniture aren’t so lucky. They’re still stuck with steep tariffs on Chinese imports. This situation is sparking debates about fairness.

    The Bigger Picture
    Trump’s original tariffs aimed to boost U.S. manufacturing, but experts say rebuilding domestic tech supply chains could take years. For now, companies are stuck in limbo, balancing cost pressures and uncertain trade policies. While gadget prices are safe for the moment, the broader trade war drama is far from over.

  • Understanding the BOI Report: A Guide for New Business Owners

    So, you’ve just started your own business—congrats! That’s a huge step, and you’re probably learning about a lot of new things, including something called the “BOI report.” This article will break down what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to do about it, all in simple terms.

    TikTok post with more information about the BOI Report

    What is the BOI Report?

    BOI stands for Beneficial Ownership Information. It’s a report that helps the government know who really owns and controls a company. Even if someone isn’t listed as the owner on paper, if they benefit from the company or control it in some way, they need to be reported.

    This report is part of a law aimed at preventing bad stuff like money laundering (hiding where illegal money comes from) and financing terrorism. Basically, the government wants to make sure companies aren’t being used to hide anything shady.

    Who Needs to File a BOI Report?

    If you own a business, you might need to file this report. Here’s a simple way to know if you need to file:

    • You own 25% or more of the company: If you hold a significant piece of the company, you count as a “beneficial owner.”
    • You control the company: Even if you don’t own 25%, if you have a lot of say in what the company does, you might still need to file.

    So, if you’re the main person running your business, you’ll probably need to file a BOI report.

    What Form to File and When?

    As of now, the specific form and filing system for the BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) report are managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The official FinCEN website where you can find more details is: https://www.fincen.gov/boi. The specific form will ask for details like:

    • Your name
    • Your address
    • Your birthdate
    • Your role in the company

    There is NO FEE to this application and the deadline to file this report is January 1, 2025.

    What Happens If You Don’t File?

    If you fail to file the BOI report or provide false information, you could face significant penalties, such as a fine up to $500 for each day that the report is late or incomplete.

    Why Do You Need to File a BOI Report?

    Filing the BOI report is about transparency. It’s a way for the government to keep track of who is behind different businesses. By filing, you’re showing that your business is legitimate and that you have nothing to hide.

    Conclusion

    Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with some important responsibilities like filing a BOI report. Remember, this report is about being open and honest about who owns and controls your business. It helps keep everything above board and builds trust with your customers and the government.

    If you’re ever unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone who knows the ropes, like a mentor or a professional. The more you learn now, the easier it’ll be to navigate the business world as you grow!