Government Shutdown FY2014: Day Four

Government Shutdown FY2014: Day Four

As the world celebrates the 56th anniversary of the Space Age, no progress was made in Washington today to help the U.S. space program move forward.

On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the world’s first satellite — Sputnik.  Almost exactly a year later, October 1, 1958, NASA opened its doors.

Readers of this website know all that has happened since then.  Today, NASA, NOAA,  DOD and other parts of the government are waiting for Congress and the White House to fund the government for FY2014 so space programs, among a plethora of other activities, can continue.

Unfortunately, there is no good news to report.   Republicans and Democrats are as far apart today as yesterday.   Both sides say they do not want a government shutdown and blame the other for the current situation. Meanwhile, the suspension of government activities is affecting the private sector, too.   Lockheed Martin said today that it will furlough 3,000 workers beginning Monday and more furloughs will occur if the government shutdown continues.

The House and Senate are scheduled to meet tomorow, but there are no signs of compromise yet.

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