US Government Shutdown Enters 28th Day Without End in Sight, Amid Rising Premiums for Affordable Care Act Plans
The US government shutdown is showing no signs of an end, having stretched into its 28th day with Senate Democrats refusing to back a Republican-backed bill that would have funded federal agencies until November 21. The lack of progress comes as millions of Americans face rising premiums for their healthcare plans under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to increase sharply next month.
Senate Democrats blocked the bill, citing concerns over funding for healthcare programs and curbs on President Donald Trump's cuts to congressionally approved funding. The move has sparked outrage from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), who have called on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to end the shutdown immediately.
"This is not about politics; it's about people," said AFGE President Everett Kelley, urging lawmakers to take action to avoid economic pain for government workers and their families. "Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay – today."
However, Senate Democrats remain committed to their strategy of negotiating concessions from Republicans over issues such as expiring tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans. Top Democrat Chuck Schumer has warned that without a deal, millions of Americans will face premium increases ahead of next Saturday's open enrollment period.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders are seeking to capitalize on the Democratic position, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune accusing Democrats of being "irresponsible" for refusing to back the bill. Thune said he would negotiate with Democrats over tax credits, but emphasized that Democrats must deliver on their promises.
The shutdown has already begun to take its toll, with many states suing the Trump administration over funding for vital programs such as food stamps. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer has called on Democrats to support a proposal to allow food stamp recipients to continue receiving benefits during the shutdown.
As the standoff continues, lawmakers are facing mounting pressure from constituents and experts alike. Senator Susan Collins expressed concerns about air traffic control staffing levels, citing recent incidents that left planes diverting due to lack of fully paid staff.
With no end in sight, the US government shutdown remains a major concern for millions of Americans who rely on federal programs and services.
The US government shutdown is showing no signs of an end, having stretched into its 28th day with Senate Democrats refusing to back a Republican-backed bill that would have funded federal agencies until November 21. The lack of progress comes as millions of Americans face rising premiums for their healthcare plans under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to increase sharply next month.
Senate Democrats blocked the bill, citing concerns over funding for healthcare programs and curbs on President Donald Trump's cuts to congressionally approved funding. The move has sparked outrage from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), who have called on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to end the shutdown immediately.
"This is not about politics; it's about people," said AFGE President Everett Kelley, urging lawmakers to take action to avoid economic pain for government workers and their families. "Put every single federal worker back on the job with full back pay – today."
However, Senate Democrats remain committed to their strategy of negotiating concessions from Republicans over issues such as expiring tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans. Top Democrat Chuck Schumer has warned that without a deal, millions of Americans will face premium increases ahead of next Saturday's open enrollment period.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders are seeking to capitalize on the Democratic position, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune accusing Democrats of being "irresponsible" for refusing to back the bill. Thune said he would negotiate with Democrats over tax credits, but emphasized that Democrats must deliver on their promises.
The shutdown has already begun to take its toll, with many states suing the Trump administration over funding for vital programs such as food stamps. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer has called on Democrats to support a proposal to allow food stamp recipients to continue receiving benefits during the shutdown.
As the standoff continues, lawmakers are facing mounting pressure from constituents and experts alike. Senator Susan Collins expressed concerns about air traffic control staffing levels, citing recent incidents that left planes diverting due to lack of fully paid staff.
With no end in sight, the US government shutdown remains a major concern for millions of Americans who rely on federal programs and services.
This is getting really frustrating for everyone involved... like, I get it, politics can be complicated, but millions of people are already feeling the squeeze with those ACA premiums increasing... it's like they're playing a game of economic roulette with our future health security 
. Can't we just find a compromise and end this shutdown? The thought of those government workers having to live without pay for so long is just heartbreaking 
. What's next, will we have to start rationing food stamps too?!
The US government shutdown is getting really crazy! 28 days without end, that's like forever 
. Millions of people are going to be hurt by these rising healthcare premiums 
. I just don't get why they can't agree on funding for the agencies 
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. It feels like no one is listening to each other and just arguing instead 
. Can't they just put aside their differences for the sake of the people? 
I just can't believe this is happening again... like what's going on with these politicians? Can't they just agree on something already? 
The thought of all those people losing their jobs and struggling to pay healthcare premiums because of this shutdown is just heartbreaking. And don't even get me started on the whole air traffic control thing... I mean, how are they supposed to keep our skies safe with half-staffed air traffic controllers? 
It's like they're not taking this seriously enough. And have you seen the prices for healthcare plans going up? That's just crazy talk! 
and meanwhile, politicians are playing this game of chicken over tax credits... it's just so frustrating. i wish they could put people first for once and get some common sense going. 
... its not like theres anything to negotiate on... tax credits for ACA plans are already expiring 
... but at the same time, republicans need to stop being all dramatic and get over themselves 
... air traffic control staffing levels tho? that's a real concern 
... this shutdown is getting old 
. It's not just the healthcare aspect, though; federal workers are still without pay, which is just not right 
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. And poor Sen. Kevin Cramer calling out for food stamp recipients – that's just basic human decency 
. What's the plan here? Are lawmakers listening to their constituents or just worried about scoring some PR points 
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, we need to find a way to fix it 
. Those government workers are really suffering 
. But at the same time, I get why they're not willing to compromise 
, but can't we just talk it out and find some middle ground 
. I hope they can figure something out ASAP 
...it's getting old waiting for this to end 
... someone needs to step up and do something about this 
. This shutdown has got to end soon, it's affecting too many lives 
. We need to think about the impact on low-income families and small businesses that rely on these programs. It's time for some compromise and creativity from both sides 
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and how amazing their Korean BBQ tacos were 
! anyway back to the shutdown... has anyone else noticed that the prices of avocado toast have skyrocketed? like $10 for a slice?! 
That's just cruel 
. And the fact that gov workers are still without paychecks is like, a total nightmare 
. I'm so tired of these politicians bickering in the Senate 
. Can't they see how this affects real ppl's lives? 
It's not about politics; it's about people, AFGE President Everett Kelley said, but does anyone listen? 
The shutdown is taking a toll on states too - like, food stamp recipients are still waiting for help 
. The AFGE's assertion that this isn't about politics, but people, resonates deeply 
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