Well I did finally find one site that gave me some statistics: http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa10249...

"$700 - $800 million including $400 million to furloughed federal employees who were paid, but did not report to work. The Treasury Department reported another $400 million in lost revenue over the four days that the IRS enforcement divisions were closed."

Aren't we losing enough money?

And about SS:

"Social Security - claims from 112,000 applicants were not processed. 212,000 new or replacement Social Security cards were not issued. 360,000 office visits were denied. 800,000 toll-free calls for information were not answered."