Shutdown will cost taxpayers more than if government stayed open, as Congress promises furloughed workers pay

WASHINGTON -- The conservatives who have helped propel the first federal shutdown in 17 years have argued that they are fighting for smaller and less bloated government. But a vote over the weekend to grant back-pay to furloughed federal workers will likely raise the cost of shutting down the government. The move highlights another peculiarity of the shutdown: sending all those workers home does not save money. Instead, if the Senate agrees and President Obama signs it as expected, it will mean ...