This month, the Army also will freeze hiring for civilian jobs, release temporary workers and sign no new contracts.

CNN: Pentagon says funding fight affecting war effort

Murrin claims to have escaped this fate by taking weakening stock prices as a sign of temporary weakness and going short crude oil.

FORBES: Short the West

The spokesman said he also saw no need to delay next month's lame-duck session or to sign another temporary funding measure through the end of Clinton's term, which ends Jan. 20, when the new president takes office.

CNN: White House wants Congress to get back to work