Frozen loans, missed paychecks, food benefits at-risk: Shutdown drags into fourth week
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Trump continues to blame Democrats for the impasse, while millions of Americans face economic uncertainty and rising health care costs.
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Trump continues to blame Democrats for the impasse, while millions of Americans face economic uncertainty and rising health care costs.
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, President Trump continues to blame Democrats for the impasse, while millions of Americans face economic uncertainty and rising health care costs.
The government shutdown has entered its fourth week, with President Donald Trump hosting Senate Republicans in the newly renovated Rose Garden to project party unity and blame Democrats for the ongoing pause in operations.
"Unfortunately, in a craven and pointless act of partisan spite, Chuck Schumer, who (sic) I've known for a long time, and the radical left Democrats are holding the entire federal government hostage to appease the extremists in their party," Trump said.
The scene at the White House was festive, with Republican senators mingling as songs like "YMCA" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" played over the sound system. Despite the gathering, there was no progress toward a deal to end the shutdown.
Meanwhile, across the country, millions of Americans face uncertainty, from federal workers missing paychecks to programs running out of money, including WIC, SNAP, and Head Start.
Economists warn that the stalemate is already dragging on the economy, with nearly $1 billion a week in small-business loans frozen and flood insurance renewals halted, delaying home sales. Democrats accuse the president and Republicans of holding the government hostage and refusing to negotiate on expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
"It's time to stop these parties and celebrations. And negotiate with Democrats to end the Trump shutdown. Address the health care crisis that they created," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader.
Republicans have expressed willingness to negotiate Affordable Care Act subsidies, but only after the government reopens. Open enrollment begins Nov. 1, and families are already receiving notices that their premiums are increasing.
On average, people will see a double-digit premium increase in 2026, according to an analysis from health policy research firm KFF. These hikes reflect rates insurers have filed under the assumption that the subsidies will expire at the end of the year and other factors such as increasing health costs.
The tax credits have fueled a major boom in Obamacare enrollment signups, which surpassed 23 million this year. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 2.2 million people would lose coverage next year if the subsidies lapse.
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