TL/DR –
The US government shutdown has entered its 36th day with no negotiations planned between Republicans and Democrats, who remain at odds over healthcare spending. The shutdown is affecting millions of Americans with federal program cuts, flight delays, and unpaid federal workers. US President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats until they agree to reopen the government, while Democrats insist they will only end the funding lapse after a deal has been struck to make healthcare affordable for millions of Americans.
Lengthy US Government Shutdown Continues as Health Insurance Funding Remains Unresolved
The ongoing United States government shutdown is now entering its 36th day, with the Democrats and Republicans showing no signs of compromise over healthcare spending. This shutdown has now become the longest ever experienced in US history, resulting in severe disruptions for millions of American citizens.
Federal program cuts have affected food aid and other vital services, leading to flight delays nationwide. Many federal employees are also being forced to work without pay. These issues are expected to persist with no resolution in sight.
Due to Congress’ failure to approve funding in time, numerous federal agencies have come to a standstill. The impact of the shutdown is progressively worsening as welfare programs are left in a state of uncertainty.
US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Republican senators, but no meetings have been scheduled with Democrats. Trump has refused to negotiate healthcare subsidies with the Democrats unless they agree to reopen the government.
The Trump administration has raised concerns over potential airport chaos if the shutdown extends beyond its sixth week, with staff shortages already causing significant airport delays and airspace closures. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned of potential chaos if air traffic controllers miss further paychecks.
With the busiest US holiday season approaching and more than 60,000 air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers working without pay, the White House has warned of possible chaos at check-in lines.
Both Democrats and Republicans continue to hold firm over healthcare spending, the main point of contention in the current shutdown. Democrats insist they will end the funding lapse only after a deal is made to make healthcare more affordable for Americans, while Republicans are adamant about addressing healthcare only when the government shutdown is over.
A group of moderate Democrats is making efforts to find a solution, while a separate bipartisan group has proposed a compromise framework for lowering health insurance costs on Monday. Democrats are hopeful that rising health insurance premiums will put pressure on Republicans to seek a compromise.
Trump has threatened to cut off a vital aid program that helps 42 million Americans buy groceries, although this measure was blocked by two courts. The White House later stated it was “fully complying” with legal obligations and working on getting partial SNAP payments issued as fast as possible.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News