The US Senate failed to pass a Republican plan to end the government shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans continuing to trade blame. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Trump administration’s decision to approve a large bailout while federal agencies are closed. House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to negotiate with Senate Democrats, while defending the administration’s use of Pentagon funds to pay military personnel, despite legal concerns. The political standoff has led to the laying off of thousands of federal workers, as both sides remain firm in their positions.
Read More
Greene advocated for the abolishment of the 60-vote filibuster threshold in the Senate, believing it would allow Republicans to end the government shutdown with their votes alone. This stance was publicized on social media. She claimed that she was told by someone that the filibuster cannot be abolished and it’s a matter of calculations.
Read More
Multiple reports indicate that a significant portion of staff within the education department’s special education division have been laid off. These layoffs, totaling 466, also impacted the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which oversees programs supporting individuals with disabilities. The reduction in force was attributed to the ongoing government shutdown and lack of funding, despite efforts to minimize impact. Advocates express concern that these layoffs could jeopardize funding and access to education for children with disabilities, potentially harming programs and violating the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Read More
As the government shutdown persists, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia is diverging from many Republicans by supporting Affordable Care Act subsidies. This stance is drawing attention, particularly within her deep-red district, where many constituents rely on these subsidies. Interviews with voters in Floyd County reveal mixed but generally supportive reactions, with residents acknowledging the potential impact on access to health insurance and appreciating Greene’s perceived focus on her constituents’ needs. Supporters suggest this move indicates a practicality and a focus on addressing the needs of working Americans.
Read More
Several U.S. airports are declining to play a video message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown. Airport officials cited the Hatch Act and state laws prohibiting the use of public resources for political purposes as reasons for their decisions. The video, obtained by Fox News, aimed to inform travelers about potential impacts on TSA operations and employees working without pay due to the shutdown. Airports like Portland International, Seattle-Tacoma International, and Westchester County are among those refusing to air the message, citing its political nature.
Read More
Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the government shutdown is approaching a historic duration, potentially becoming one of the longest in history, unless Democrats agree to the House-passed stopgap bill. Currently on its 13th day, the shutdown stems from a disagreement over healthcare concessions, with Republicans refusing to negotiate on healthcare and Democrats unwilling to accept the House’s funding measure, which has repeatedly failed in the Senate. Despite the standstill, Johnson defended the House’s actions, maintaining they are actively preparing appropriations and assisting constituents while criticizing the Democrats’ role in the situation.
Read More
Amidst the government shutdown, the CDC initially issued termination notices to around 1,300 employees, later rescinding over half of these firings, as reported by several news outlets. The reinstated employees included members of the Epidemic Intelligence Service and those involved in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, according to The New York Times. Officials attributed the errors to “incorrect notifications” or a “coding error,” although the precise number of employees recalled remains unconfirmed. These actions have drawn criticism, with some labeling them as an assault on public health and highlighting the ongoing turmoil within the agency, including a recent lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees against the firings and recent events regarding previous CDC leadership and actions.
Read More
As the government shutdown continues, Vice President JD Vance has warned of further “painful” cuts to the federal workforce. These cuts are anticipated to affect thousands of employees, with the Office of Management and Budget already planning for layoffs. This ongoing stalemate, which began due to disagreements over health insurance subsidies, has led to the closure of institutions like the Smithsonian and has escalated tensions between Republicans and Democrats. While both sides blame each other for the impasse, the Republican administration shows no signs of yielding to Democratic demands or abandoning the prospect of additional workforce reductions.
Read More
House GOP leaders are facing increasing pressure from within their own ranks to reconvene the chamber amid the ongoing government shutdown. A growing number of Republican lawmakers are expressing concern that the continued recess is hurting the party’s image and could benefit Democrats. The pressure stems from the delayed pay of federal workers, and especially the military. While Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested possible solutions, including actions from President Trump, the path forward remains unclear as the stalemate with Senate Democrats continues.
Read More
Amid the ongoing government shutdown, Senate Democrats are advocating for on-time pay for both military personnel and civilian employees. While a bipartisan effort in the House aims to ensure timely pay for military members, Democrats in the Senate are considering a broader approach. Some propose a new tax targeting billionaires to fund immediate pay for essential workers like air traffic controllers. However, not all Democrats support extending immediate pay to civilian workers, with some emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the military.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker