Psst. No shutdown during a 'government shutdown' - FoxNews.com

Psst. No shutdown during a 'government shutdown' - FoxNews.com: "That's the little-known truth about a government shutdown. The government doesn't shut down."

"But from a practical perspective, shutdowns usually aren't that big a deal. They happened every year when Jimmy Carter was president, averaging 11 days each. During President Reagan's two terms, there were six shutdowns, typically of just one or two days apiece"

"Lawmakers, however, typically provide back pay, even for employees who weren't required to work. A repeat of that could raise hackles with some in the tea party-backed House GOP freshman class."

"Many contract workers could be furloughed without pay and not receive lost wages retroactively, especially in an extended shutdown."