The Senate failed for the 11th time to pass the House-approved funding extension through Nov. 21, as most Democrats continue to fight for more health care spending.
Who is to blame for the government shutdown? Americans speak out
From furloughed workers to small business owners, Americans told USA TODAY Network how the government shutdown is impacting their lives.
WASHINGTON – The federal government shutdown enters its 21st day and fourth week as Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided over how to solve soaring health care costs.
The impasse continues after widespread “No King” protests against President Donald Trump over the weekend. Democrats continue to insist on expanding health care costs — extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and restoring Medicaid benefits — as a condition for reopening the government. But Republicans say the government should be reopened before health care talks begin.
On October 20, the Senate failed for the 11th time to approve a government funding bill that had been passed by the House by November 21. Three Democrats have joined Republicans, but Republicans need five more Democrats to pass the 60-vote threshold to send the bill to President Trump.
Meanwhile, the third-longest shutdown in history drags on, with workers unpaid, flights delayed more and low-income families at risk of losing food aid.
Here’s the latest information about the shutdown:
As the U.S. Postal Service continues to operate despite the shutdown, premium Affordable Care Act notices are beginning to arrive in mailboxes across the country, spreading an ominous warning about how much costs will rise if Congress doesn’t act.
The aid, in the form of tax credits, is set to expire on Dec. 31, and Democrats want to extend it. Republicans also want to adjust the program and are not willing to negotiate an extension during the shutdown.
But public offering begins on November 1, and premiums are expected to double on average. House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the issue needs to be resolved “immediately.”
“Tens of millions of Americans across the country are currently receiving shocking notices about increased premiums, copays, and deductibles.”
Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees continue to work as essential personnel during the shutdown.
But without pay, absenteeism tends to increase as staff compete for other sources of income.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on October 19 that staffing issues are causing travel delays at airports in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and Newark.
However, it was not clear whether the problem was directly related to the closure. Bad weather in the Northeast may have been to blame, said Mike Arnott, a spokesman for aviation data analysis firm Sirium.
–Zack Wictor
Federal courts had enough reserves to keep staff on the job for three weeks, but are now furloughing non-essential workers because the funding expiration has been extended beyond Oct. 20.
The Supreme Court building is closed to the public, but the justices will continue to hear cases.
Other federal judges (district judges, bankruptcy judges, appellate judges) will continue to serve, but only with essential staff, the U.S. Office of Court Administration announced.
The court announcement comes as the high court prepares for arguments in several high-profile cases. The justices are scheduled to hear arguments on November 5 on whether Trump overstepped his authority when imposing tariffs on countries around the world. President Trump has said he may attend the hearing.
Yes, Social Security payments, including Supplemental Security Income, retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, will continue during the government shutdown.
Social Security benefit programs are considered mandatory expenditures by law and are therefore not affected by the expiration of appropriations. Payments will continue to be made regularly during the shutdown.
Social Security offices will remain open during the closure, but only some services will be available.
– Sudiksha Kochi and Melina Khan
