On Tuesday, November 4th, the federal government shutdown reached its 35th day, tying the record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The current shutdown began on October 1st after Congress failed to pass a new budget. This shutdown, the fourth during a Trump presidency, surpassed the 1995-1996 shutdown, which lasted 21 days. If the shutdown continues into Wednesday, November 5th, it will become the longest in U.S. history.
Senator Sanders believes the current political climate represents a pivotal moment in American history, as the President is allegedly undermining the Constitution and the rule of law. He asserts that the government shutdown is not the Democrats’ responsibility to resolve, but rather the Republicans, as they are refusing to negotiate. Sanders acknowledges the pressure both Democrats and Republicans face from constituents, particularly regarding the potential impact of budget decisions on healthcare costs.
President Trump declared that November food stamps will be withheld until the government reopens, as stated in a Truth Social post. This decision contradicts previous court rulings from federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, which mandated the administration to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The USDA has authorized states to begin dispersing benefits, using contingency funds to cover only 50% of eligible households’ current food stamp allotments. However, Democracy Forward has filed a motion to compel the administration to disperse benefits immediately, and legal action remains pending regarding the legality of Trump’s decision.
Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, Senate Republicans have blocked a Democratic effort to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), leaving millions of Americans facing food insecurity. The Democratic resolution, backed by 44 senators, sought to immediately restore SNAP benefits, which had run out of resources. However, the measure was blocked by Republicans, with Senator John Barrasso calling it a “political stunt.” The Trump administration has since announced the use of a USDA contingency fund to partially restore SNAP benefits, though it is only providing approximately half of the needed funding.
Department of Transportation might be forced to shut down some airspace next week: Duffy, and the implications are, frankly, unsettling. It’s a stark reality check when we consider that air traffic controllers, the very people responsible for the safety of our skies, are required to work without pay during a government shutdown. The thought of these individuals, burdened with the financial stress of not being compensated for their crucial work, is deeply concerning. How can anyone be expected to maintain the laser focus necessary for such a demanding job when they’re likely worried about their own bills and livelihoods? It’s a recipe for potential disaster, and the thought of it is definitely not reassuring.… Continue reading
President Trump announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be withheld until Democrats agree to reopen the government, reversing the USDA’s prior commitment to distribute at least partial benefits. This decision, conveyed via a Truth Social post, contradicts a court order and potentially impacts over 22 million households that rely on SNAP. The USDA, which administers SNAP, had previously stated its ability to provide reduced benefits, but the president’s stance adds further uncertainty to the ongoing government shutdown. Trump attributed the higher SNAP spending to the previous administration.
Amidst the ongoing government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has lapsed, leaving approximately 42 million Americans facing food insecurity. This has led to criticism of the MAGA administration, with one former Trump supporter expressing regret over her vote due to the impact on her daughter who relies on food assistance. While the president has been criticized for hosting lavish parties and prioritizing a ballroom over the dining rooms of individual Americans, polls show that the public largely blames Republicans for the shutdown, impacting Trump’s approval ratings. As a result, prominent GOP officials are expressing concerns about a potential electoral “bloodbath” in the upcoming midterms.
As a result of the ongoing government shutdown, Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face potential benefit cuts. While a federal judge has prevented the complete suspension of SNAP, the Trump administration has indicated that enrollees may only receive half of their usual benefits. The Guardian’s investigation revealed that many SNAP recipients, including the elderly, disabled, and those with health issues, are deeply concerned about the ramifications, fearing difficulty affording food and essential items. Many respondents voiced harsh criticism of the potential cuts, as they struggle with difficult choices between food and other necessities.
Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic effort to fully fund SNAP benefits, which had run out of funding during the government shutdown. Senator Jeff Merkley proposed a resolution to provide $8 billion for November’s SNAP benefits. However, the resolution was rejected by Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, who claimed it was a political stunt and insisted reopening the government was the solution. The Trump administration previously announced it would partially fund SNAP through the Agriculture Department.
The government shutdown has caused a wave of Head Start center closures across the country, impacting thousands of families and children. Many centers have missed out on federal grant payments, leading to indefinite closures and forcing parents to scramble for childcare. These closures mean that low-income children are missing out on essential preschool services, including meals and developmental therapies. The situation is exacerbated by potential cuts to food assistance programs like SNAP, further burdening families who rely on Head Start for both childcare and nutritional support.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood