Hundreds of thousands of American government employees went without full pay on Friday as the government shutdown reached its fourth week. Around 1.4 million federal employees are either on unpaid leave at home or working without receiving a paycheck. This is turning out to be one of the longest government shutdowns in US history.
Republicans and Democrats in Congress remain unable to agree on how to resume government funding. Both sides continue to blame one another for the issue. The Senate has cast 12 votes on a bill to close the government, but none have passed. Senators won’t reconvene until Monday afternoon, so the shutdown will at least extend through next week.
Republican and Democratic Issues
Republicans insist that Democrats must compromise on their demands. Democrats insist Republicans won’t do anything unless instructed by President Donald Trump. Both sides are at a stalemate, and millions of workers are suffering.
One of Washington, D.C.’s food banks held a special drive on Friday for federal government employees who have been without pay for three and a half weeks. Individuals needed to present their federal worker ID cards to receive food. The volunteers also distributed toiletries and household supplies.
Quinnae Higginbotham, who helps coordinate volunteers, told the crowd she understands their pain because she lost her own government job back in May. “What you are going through, I’m going through also,” she said to workers waiting in line. Her organisation is working with the Capital Area Food Bank to help the over 700,000 employees affected by the shutdown.
What Democrats and Republicans Want
Democrats are urging Republicans to restore previously cut healthcare funding. Democrats also want to increase health care tax credits that have been used by millions of Americans. Republicans indicate that these healthcare matters should be addressed separately once the government has opened.
President Trump has declined several times to sit down with Democratic leaders regarding the shutdown. This week he turned down another meeting invitation, stating he would “only meet if they let the country open.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Trump must grant permission to Republicans in Congress before anything gets resolved.
Which Services Are Still Working
Nothing has come to a halt in the shutdown. Border protection personnel, police, immigration officials and hospital nurses still labour, although most are not being paid. The mail is still delivered because the post office does not rely on Congress for funds.
Yet, thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled simply because there are not enough air traffic controllers. Numerous health research centre workers, including those at the CDC, have been sent home. Food assistance programs have been cut back. Government museums have closed.
One Utah worker, Michael Galletly, reported sitting down with his wife and trying to calculate how long they could survive without his wages. “I could get by for two months, maybe three lean, very lean months,” he reported. “But I don’t know how long this thing is going to go.” Members of Congress keep receiving their salaries during the shutdown as the Constitution provides that they are entitled to be paid. Many people are displeased with this.
News At Glance
- More than 1.4 million American government employees have been without paychecks for three and a half weeks now
- Republicans and Democrats are refusing to compromise on funding healthcare to reopen the government
- Food banks are distributing free supplies to federal workers who cannot afford survival supplies
- Mail service and police are still operating but flights are delayed and research centres are shut
- Congress members continue to be paid during the shutdown which infuriates people
FAQs
Q1: For how long has the government been shut down?
The shutdown has been ongoing for over three weeks and is currently one of the longest government shutdowns in US history.
Q2: Is every government employee impacted by the shutdown?
Approximately 1.4 million federal workers are on unpaid leave or working without pay, yet basic services such as border protection persist.
Q3: Why are Republicans and Democrats disagreeing?
Democrats are opposed to having healthcare funds restored, while the Republicans maintain that those matters will be addressed separately once the government has been reopened.
Q4: Do members of Congress get paid during shutdowns?
Yes, the Constitution mandates that Congress members be paid, which has irritated many who have been impacted by the shutdown.
Q5: What operations remain open during the shutdown?
Mail delivery, border patrol, law enforcement, and hospital treatment proceed, but flights are delayed and research facilities have shut down.
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