When President Obama signed the Continuing Appropriations Act shortly after midnight on Sunday, Oct. 17, millions of government workers and their families breathed a sigh of relief. Short vacation aside, these families no longer had to worry when their next paycheck would come, or in some cases, if they would be able to provide food for their families.

Our elected officials have been selfish in a time where bipartisanship is needed the most. They haven’t given any thought to those affected by the outcomes of the government shutting down. This cannot happen again.

The government shutdown cost the economy an estimated $24 billion in only 16 days. According to Time magazine, a projected $76 million was lost each day due to the closure of national parks and its tourism revenue. Small businesses suffered from stalled government contracts, and business loans were halted.

The shutdown began as a protest between stubborn politicians. Now it is affecting our economy. The government shutting down has cost the United States billions, and we are already trillions in debt. The United States, the most powerful nation in the world, cannot afford another shutdown.

The shutdown was primarily the result of Tea Party opposition to the Affordable Care Act. They used the government as negotiating hostage to defund Obamacare. The GOP hit a 20-year low in popularity as a result of these tactics. That does not mean Democrats are without fault, but how can you negotiate with someone who will only allow one possible outcome: total victory. Maybe that should be the first step for each political party; stop treating the government like a game.

The agreement provides only three months funding for government operations. At the end of that time, these tea partyers need to stop creating chaos and start thinking about the bigger picture within government.

Our political leaders are putting the whole country in danger and making the United States look weak and vulnerable. Shouldn’t these officials and the citizens who voted for them want a financially secure country, in spite of which political party is the one offering a solution? In letters, phone calls or social media posts, we should let our politicians know that our financial well-being should not be held hostage to political interests.