Social Security recipients, like Sue Conard, are expressing concerns that their benefits are not keeping pace with rising healthcare costs. The current government shutdown is delaying crucial data used to calculate cost-of-living adjustments, projected to be only 2.7% for the coming year. This adjustment, while providing a small monthly increase, is not considered sufficient by many, as the inflation data used does not specifically reflect the expenses faced by the elderly, such as healthcare and prescription drugs. Advocates are pushing for the use of the CPI-E, a consumer price index tailored to the elderly, but related legislative efforts have stalled.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed his willingness to engage in a public debate with Speaker Mike Johnson regarding the ongoing government shutdown. Jeffries confirmed he would “absolutely” try to schedule a debate, responding to Johnson’s previous suggestion of a discussion on C-SPAN’s “Ceasefire” program. This comes as the government shutdown enters its third week, with Democrats pushing for bipartisan negotiations while Republicans, led by Johnson, maintain their stance that such talks are unnecessary. The GOP insists that a simple extension of current funding levels is sufficient.
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A federal judge in San Francisco has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from firing workers during the ongoing government shutdown. The judge’s order came in response to layoff notices issued by federal agencies, which the administration said were aimed at reducing the size of the federal government to pressure Democratic lawmakers. The American Federation of Government Employees and other unions argued the firings were an abuse of power and sought a restraining order, citing the shutdown’s impact on programs and personnel. The administration countered that the district court lacked jurisdiction over agency employment decisions, while the shutdown persisted with potential for record duration.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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John Q. Hosedrinker