As the United States government shutdown continues into its 40th day, next week, this long shutdown will start hitting federal workers hard, shuttering food aid programs and disrupting travel across the country. Now millions of families are suffering from the effects. At the same time, the Senate has been progressing toward their own vote which would potentially end the federal government shutdown. This latest resolution would fund federal operations through late January. It would help turn the tide on many of the mass layoffs triggered by the Trump administration.
The continued shutdown has furloughed in some cases, laid off in others, and overall created new levels of unpredictability for thousands of federal workers. With Thanksgiving falling on November 27, the timing of this resolution could not be more appropriate. Air traffic control staffing shortages caused by the shutdown threaten to disrupt travel plans during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
A shutdown affects much more than just federal workers. It undermines critical nutrition assistance programs that millions of Americans depend on. With thousands of families upon whom these resources are lifelines, the effect of the shutdown on access to food is immediate and real. Parks down the country have been shuttered, cutting off millions of Americans from the benefits of nature and recreation.
Preemptive economic forecasts are already forecasting a major downturn if air travel doesn’t get back on track by Thanksgiving. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett expressed concern that prolonged disruptions could push economic growth into negative territory during the fourth quarter.
As negotiations continue, Senate leaders have indicated a willingness to advance a vote on a resolution to reopen the government.
“The Senate might get a vote,” – Ben Ray Luján
Yet deep divisions persist among legislators over healthcare provisions tied to the funding legislation. Leading Democrats at the highest levels of Congress have been sounding the alarm on any deal that fails to do enough to control skyrocketing healthcare costs.
“We will not support spending legislation advanced by Senate Republicans that fails to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We will fight the GOP bill in the House of Representatives,” – Hakeem Jeffries
Yet even before the shutdown, healthcare costs had ballooned. Americans are looking at monthly premiums for 2026 Obamacare health insurance plans that are over twice as high. Proponents of the resolution argue failure to lower the cost of healthcare would be a tremendous disappointment to millions of Americans. Thousands of these citizens depend on Democrats to fight for their interests.
“A deal that doesn’t reduce health care costs is a betrayal of millions of Americans counting on Democrats to fight for them,” – Greg Casar
Some Democratic lawmakers have expressed vehement opposition to any compromise of any kind seen as a concession to the Republicans.
“It would be a policy and political disaster for Democrats to cave,” – Bernie Sanders
Opponents say any deal without strong protections for our healthcare would be a blow to party and public faith.
“I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time, on some undefined measure that extends the healthcare tax credits,” – Richard Blumenthal
As negotiations continue, public opinion is clearly showing increasing anger at the ongoing shutdown and its trickle down impacts on daily life. Millions of Americans are waking up and raising their voices in opposition.
“Pathetic. This isn’t a deal. It’s a surrender. Don’t bend the knee!” – Gavin Newsom
Senators were hopeful but understandably wary, believing a final agreement may be closer than ever. Indeed, some are still hopeful that the stars may be lined up for resolution.
“Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together,” – Thom Tillis