Why Will the Government Shut Down?

Culture Wars. Here is a partial list of the riders attached to the funding extension:

• Prohibits the Federal Reserve from transferring more than $80 million to the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Basically killing the program
• Prohibits funding for the EPA to change a rule regulating water. Can you say arsenic in the water?
• Prohibits the District of Columbia from using its own, non-federal funds to pay for abortions beyond the very limited circumstances in which federal funds are currently available (in circumstances of rape or incest and to save the life of a pregnant woman). Really?
• Prohibits funds to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., or any of its affiliates.
• Prohibits funding for needle-exchange programs.
• Prohibits the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from collecting information on multiple sales of rifles or shotguns to the same person. Preparing for the revolution are we?
• Prohibits funding for the Sustainable Communities Initiative. Who cares about sustainability? Fuck it.
• Blocks funds for the Federal Communications Commission to institute Net Neutrality rules. Because Comcast has your best interests at heart...
• Prohibits Recovery Act funds for signage. Now that's just douchey