Day 20 of the federal government shutdown: How long will it last?
As the federal government shutdown enters its 20th day, the Senate is set for another failed vote on reopening the government, raising the question: How much longer will it last?
As the federal government shutdown enters its 20th day, the Senate is set for another failed vote on reopening the government, raising the question: How much longer will it last?
As the federal government shutdown enters its 20th day, the Senate is set for another failed vote on reopening the government, raising the question: How much longer will it last?
The federal government shutdown has reached its 20th day, with no resolution in sight as Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill remain at an impasse. The Senate is scheduled to vote again on Monday to reopen the government. It's expected to fail.
With the shutdown expected to last for some time, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long is the government shutdown going to last?
The short answer: no one knows. The Senate has already failed multiple times to pass a funding bill that would end the shutdown. Meanwhile, furloughed federal workers continue to go without pay, and some essential employees, such as TSA and air traffic controllers, are working without pay until the shutdown ends.
Senators will consider a bill this week to pay "excepted" employees, who are required to work during the shutdown. But it's uncertain whether lawmakers have the 60 votes needed for it to pass.
Does the government shutdown affect disability, food stamps, Social Security or Social Supplemental Income (SSI)?
If there's any good news in this shutdown, it's that payments for Social Security, disability, and Supplemental Security Income will be distributed on time.
Food stamps, like SNAP and WIC, are still being provided for now, although the White House has warned that federal funding for these programs could soon run out if the shutdown persists.
Several states say they have plans to keep food assistance programs funded even if federal money runs out, but even they acknowledge that they can only sustain these programs for a limited time. The USDA, which oversees these programs, has warned several states that benefits could be disrupted, possibly as early as November.
Does Congress get paid during a government shutdown?
Yes. By law, lawmakers will continue to receive their paychecks, including House members who have been on recess since the shutdown began.
What else is impacted?
Starting Monday, the it has run out of funding to sustain "full, paid operations," meaning they can only run on limited and essential services, potentially impacting timelines and flow for cases and probation. Furloughs at the courts are reportedly happening too.
Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:
