The US Government Shutdown: A Standoff with No End in Sight
The US government shutdown is dragging on, with no resolution in sight. It has been going on for 38 days, making it the longest shutdown in US history. The Senate is set to vote for the 15th time on a Republican proposal to end the shutdown, but Democrats are not backing down from their demands.
Major Disruptions
The shutdown has caused major disruptions to government programs:
- The White House tried to pause payments under the food aid program, but a court order blocked it.
- The Federal Aviation Administration has cut back on commercial air travel, with about 800 flights cancelled as of Friday morning.
Congress at a Standstill
Despite the disruptions, Congress seems stuck:
- Republicans control both chambers, but any spending legislation needs bipartisan support to pass the Senate.
- The GOP wants Democrats to back a bill to reopen the government through November, without major policy changes.
Democrats' Demands
Democrats, however, are insisting on an extension of tax credits for Affordable Care Act health plans. These credits, enacted during Joe Biden's presidency, are set to expire at the end of the year. Without an extension, enrollees could see their costs jump by an average of 26%.
Political Impact
Democrats' position has been boosted by recent election results:
- In off-year elections, Democratic candidates swept several states, which party leaders say shows voters support their demands.
- Recent polls also show the GOP taking more of the blame for the shutdown.
Trump's Stance
Donald Trump has acknowledged the political risk, telling senators that the shutdown is "negative for Republicans". He has called for scrapping the Senate's filibuster, but Republican leaders are not on board with that idea.
No Clear End in Sight
The standoff continues, with no clear end in sight. The shutdown is causing real harm to government programs and the people who rely on them. It's a reminder of how political gridlock can have real-world consequences.