Saying that “it has become clear that the recent budget agreement reached in October did not eliminate the possibility of a government shutdown on December 11 when the continuing resolution runs out,” AFSCME Council 26 Executive Director Carl Goldman recently warned that “it’s still possible that extremist Members of Congress will attempt to attach ‘poison pill’ amendments, or riders, that Congressional Democrats and the President will not agree to.” While the budget deal established an overall framework for agency budgets by lifting tight spending caps, Goldman noted, individual spending bills and program spending levels must still be agreed to. “Hopefully Congress will pass a year-long omnibus spending bill, covering all agencies,” said Goldman. “AFSCME and its allies are asking Congress to pass a ‘clean’ year-long spending package without harmful policy riders and avoid a government shutdown.” Council 26 has scheduled an emergency meeting in early December to prepare for a possible government shutdown. photo: Federal workers leaflet during 2013 shutdown; photo by Chris Garlock/Union City