Hurried shutdown planning meetings began at military bases across the Pikes Peak region Wednesday as leaders prepared for federal budget gridlock that would come if a deal isn’t approved by Friday.
The biggest impact of a federal shutdown would hit at the five bases, where as many as 6,000 civilian employees face furloughs, troops could see pay delays and amenities like military grocery stores and daycare centers shutter until a budget accord is reached.
“We are hopeful that there is enough time for Congress to prevent a lapse in appropriations,” U.S. Northern Command said in a statement issued Wednesday.
On Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan rolled out a short-term budget proposal with GOP backing. That bill faced an uncertain future in the upper chamber where Senate leaders will need at least nine Democrats to join majority Republicans to advance it to a vote.
It’s that uncertainty that had bases bracing for trouble.
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