Watch CBS News

IRS Delays, Park Closures Loom Ahead Of Possible US Shutdown

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — As lawmakers on Capitol Hill rush to beat the clock on a looming government shutdown, taxpayers across the Southland and the nation are facing the very real prospect of widespread economic consequences.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports that should Congress and the White House fail to agree on a continuing budget resolution by 12:01 Saturday morning, a host of federal services would either end or be dramatically scaled back.

Podcast

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D-Nev.), told reporters on Friday that the White House and Republicans have agreed on a spending cut of $38 billion but a that fight over federal dollars for Planned Parenthood is blocking a deal.

The House of Representatives passed a one-week government funding bill on Thursday, but the Senate is likely to kill the measure, while President Obama has also promised a veto if it reaches him.

A cautiously optimistic Reid said that in addition to agreeing on the spending cut, negotiators had worked out policy disputes, which involve environmental protection, implementing President Barack Obama's health care law, and regulating the Internet.

Should no deal be reached, the Internal Revenue Service would continue to process electronic returns, but audits would come to a halt along with tax refunds.

Hundreds of people lined up early on Friday at the Federal Building in Westwood, where hopeful tourists like Annie Sigman were eager to get their passports before a potential shutdown complicated their travel plans.

Podcast

Operations at national parks and recreation areas such as the Angeles National Forest and the Santa Monica Mountains would be curtailed, sending guests home until Washington gets its money matters in order.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.