Federal Government Shutdown

Trump Proposes Redirecting Obamacare Funds: Critics Call Plan “Idiotic”

In a Saturday morning Truth Social post, President Trump proposed redirecting ACA funds from insurance companies to Americans to directly purchase healthcare. This suggestion comes amidst the ongoing government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, as Democrats seek to ensure the continuation of ACA tax credits. Trump’s proposal is another potential solution, although its specifics and implications remain unclear. Further clarification has been sought from the White House, while Republicans and Democrats continue negotiations to end the shutdown.

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Ingraham Warns GOP of “Wiped Out” Midterms Amid Government Shutdown

Fox News host Laura Ingraham expressed concern about the Republican party’s prospects in the upcoming midterm elections, warning that they would suffer significant losses if they failed to address the ongoing government shutdown. She urged Republican Senator Roger Marshall to support ending the filibuster, echoing President Trump’s calls, to allow the GOP to take action. Ingraham criticized Republicans for clinging to the filibuster, suggesting it was the only way for the party to “start doing things for the American people.” Marshall expressed openness to Trump’s proposal, but expressed the need to ensure Democrats wouldn’t end the filibuster if given the opportunity.

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House Republican Insists Shutdown Will Last Beyond Thanksgiving

Rep. Tim Burchett predicts the ongoing government shutdown will persist beyond Thanksgiving, citing the need for Democrats to concede on healthcare issues. He believes that negotiations will only occur after Democrats are willing to come to the table and discuss expanding health care subsidies. Republicans maintain their position, while Democrats are focused on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, a stance Republicans view as a nonstarter. Republicans view the program as broken, and are therefore unwilling to negotiate until the government is reopened.

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Air Traffic Controllers Quit as Shutdown Crisis Deepens

The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant strain on air traffic controllers, leading to resignations and increased stress levels. According to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, controllers are resigning daily due to the shutdown’s prolonged nature, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Controllers are experiencing burnout, taking on second jobs, and calling in sick, putting a strain on the remaining workforce. To mitigate the impact, air traffic has been curbed in numerous markets, but the crisis will still impact the upcoming holiday season, and it will take months for things to return to normal.

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Republicans Reject Shutdown Offer, Fueling Travel, Food Aid Delays

The recent impasse between Senate Republicans and Democrats continues as Republicans rejected a Democratic offer to extend expiring health care subsidies for a year. The core of the disagreement revolves around Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key point of contention during the ongoing 38-day government shutdown. This rejection has exacerbated disruptions to air travel and the provision of food aid. The parties remain at odds despite Democrats’ attempt to find common ground.

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Democrats Offer to End Shutdown, Republicans Refuse

Senate Democrats put forth a proposal to reopen the government by offering a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, along with funding measures. This offer, presented by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, includes a “clean” continuing resolution and bipartisan appropriations bills. The Democrats’ proposal also establishes a committee to negotiate a long-term solution. However, Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, immediately dismissed the offer as a “nonstarter,” citing concerns over the lack of restrictions on the funds. Despite the Democrats’ concession from their prior demands, the proposal faces significant opposition and uncertainty in both the Senate and the House.

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Government Reopening Deal Stalls Due to Democrats’ Distrust of Trump

Deep mistrust among Senate Democrats towards President Trump has caused them to reject a proposal to reopen the government. Democrats are hesitant because of concerns that Trump will not act in good faith to extend health insurance subsidies or stop firing federal workers. Senate Democrats have expressed doubt that Trump will adhere to any agreement, citing past instances where he has undermined bipartisan negotiations and refused to cooperate with Democratic leaders. Republicans are now struggling to secure the necessary votes to end the shutdown due to this lack of trust.

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Democrats Offer Deal to Reopen Government, Republicans Refuse

In an effort to end the ongoing government shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a new plan to Republicans. The proposal involves Democrats dropping their demand for a long-term extension of ACA tax credits in exchange for a one-year extension of the subsidies. Schumer also suggested a bipartisan committee to address health-care affordability. However, Republicans quickly rejected the proposal, with Senator Lindsey Graham labeling it as “political hostage taking” and stating it would not be supported.

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Trump Approval Rating Hits Double-Digit Negative Territory

President Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to a new low, dipping into double-digit negative territory according to RealClearPolling’s national average. This decline follows the longest government shutdown in history, which appears to be fueling public discontent, as evidenced by polls from various organizations. The shutdown has disrupted essential programs like SNAP, impacting millions and leading to accusations of weaponizing hunger. While lawmakers continue to seek a solution to end the shutdown, the president’s approval rating and Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections are at stake.

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Trump Administration Seeks Emergency Block on Full SNAP Benefit Payments

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a lower court’s order requiring the Trump administration to pay full SNAP benefits to 42 million Americans for November due to the ongoing government shutdown. This decision came after an appeals court denied the administration’s emergency request to halt the order, but it also said it would soon rule on whether the administration was entitled to a stay of the order. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s order pushed the appeals court to quickly determine whether to issue a stay, citing the administration’s need to transfer billions to fund SNAP benefits. This decision will be in effect for a maximum of 48 hours after the First Circuit’s resolution of the pending motion.

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