"Shutting down the government" should be a VERY serious step, not just some political maneuver. If our legislature is going to shut down the government, we should have a REAL SHUT DOWN. NO "mission critical" people remaining. If we have no money for a government, we have no government, no mission, and no people. Absolutely EVERY federal employee should have to stop working. Courts, cops, regulators, inspectors, floor sweepers...EVERYONE. The military should stop in place, performing ONLY self defense.
In about 8 hours, we would have a budget or a continuing resolution and they would never do it again.
Congress should have to come up with their solution while not being paid since THEY are government employees.