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The threat of a government shutdown is a ruse. All of current government spending and income is the consequence of laws and regulations already passed. This money flow is accomplished nearly without any human intervention, except for the people who effect the transfers in both directions. The Treasury is also authorized to borrow up to the limits imposed by the Congress and they are always higher than the actual amount needed. In any case, government workers, including members of Congress and the Executive don't get paid until the end of the month. Social Security payments will go out, welfare payments will go out as will payment due contractors for work done on already authorized project.
So why all the hullabaloo? The only reason I can think of that makes sense is that the Congress hasn't the foggiest clue how the system really works.