It's that time of year again. Congress is rushing to head back home for Christmas and the threat of a looming government shutdown for fiscal year 2008 is raising it's ugly head.

Here we go again.

Now many folks argue that closing the government is no big deal. These folks appear to believe every government employee is just useless chaff. However, that's totally not true. Goods and services that Americans use every day are provided by our federal government. This huge machine, while not always well oiled, provides many essential things for the average American. Like air traffic controllers, FBI agents, State Department passport specialists, FDA investigators - you get the idea.

So Congress is arguing again. What's new about that? There are reports of Members refusing to speak to each. This really isn't good. If Congress chooses to adjourn for the Christmas Break without reaching a resolution on the budget, we could be facing a shutdown. Congress could also decide to pass a short-term budget resolution allowing agencies to remain open until they return to session in January.

Stay tuned for more drama. Hopefully, things will be resolved before a shutdown occurs.