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What would happen during a shutdown:
- "Essential services" would not get affected.
- 800,000 federal employees, plus private contractors, will not get paid.
- Federal employees cannot use vacation days to get paid during a furlough.
- Members of Congress will still get paid
- Most US data won't be issued in government shutdown
- National parks and museums would close
- FHA would stop guaranteeing loans.
- Military pay would be delayed

Facts:
- Congress is trying to pass a 2011 federal budget (Oct 2010 - Sept 2011). Government has been operating on six temporary extensions (continuing resolutions) since Sept 2010.
- Initial total spending budget was $3.83 trillion with $1.56 trillion deficit.
- GOP wants to cut $60 billion in spending. This is a 1.6% cut in spending or 3.85% of deficit.
- Last shutdown occurred in 1995 for 21 days(Dec 16, 1995 - Jan 6, 1996), the longest in US history.
- Shutdowns in the 1970s and 1980s ranged from three days to 17 days.
- Current debt ceiling is $14.294 trillion
- Will hit debt limit by May 15, 2011

More info:
Government shutdown - Wikipedia
13 ways a federal government shutdown would affect the nation
Government shutdown: What's closed, what's open?
Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Effects, and Process
OPM Furlough FAQ
Government Agency shutdown plan details: What is my agency’s plan if the government shuts down?
Government shutdown: Frequently Asked Questions
If it comes to a shutdown, the GOP should stick to its principles - Gingrich
Government shutdown - Huffington Post
Government Shutdown Myths