Days before Christmas, Republicans are scrambling behind closed doors
to reach a deal on a spending package. Still
very optimistic we can get this done. Democrats are
warning of shutdown impacts. You're playing with people's lives
, Virginia Senator Mark Warner says holiday travelers could see
delays. TSA employees and air traffic controllers would be
working without pay if they show up. Some of
them may call in sick. You're going to have
a level of chaos at our airports. I fear
could be unprecedented. It's not just airport employees in
California, where Congressman Scott Peters represents. The Coast
Guard doesn't get paid. That's about 900 people.
The border patrol doesn't get paid. All government workers
considered essential would work without pay until the government reopens
. Then they'd get back. A lot of people
I represent are on the edge. Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne
Bon Amici says she's seen her constituents hurt by past
shutdowns. TSA agents who had to sell plasma to
make their bills, national parks would also close.
But if you're that small business or restaurant that's outside
the national park or outside Shenandoah Drive. You don't
get repaid. While the post office will not directly
be affected because it's funded independently, Virginia Senator Tim
Kaine warns of ripple effects for mail delivered by air
. As we all know, Christmas time is one
of the most important times to try to have deliveries
done. Congress has until Friday night to pass a
funding bill in Washington. I'm Mattie Beer Temple.