The government shutdown reaches its second month this Saturday, and tensions between Republican and Democratic senators seem to be escalating, especially as federal food programs stop providing benefits to millions.
On Thursday, President Trump commented after returning from a trip to Asia, advocating for Republicans to invoke the “nuclear option” to resolve the shutdown by sidestepping the filibuster that requires 60 votes for passage.
However, his suggestion has not been well received by all Republicans. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed that the significance of the filibuster remains unchanged.
Despite this, both Senate Republicans and Democrats, weary of the prolonged shutdown, are actively exploring a way out. Reports indicate they might unveil a proposal next week. Democratic senators, including Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), are looking for a means to exit the current stalemate, acknowledging that costs under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will rise if tax credits expire by year’s end.
Bennett noted, “We understand that healthcare costs for Americans will climb as Washington Republicans reject extending the Obamacare tax credit. Democrats won because we are advocating for health care for all.”
Thune mentioned he is engaging with moderate Democrats regarding negotiations for extending the ACA tax credits, but is adamant this won’t happen until the government reopens.
“The central question is whether they will eventually accept ‘yes’ as an answer,” Thune remarked.
Without an extension of the tax credit, premiums could soar for many Americans by 2026. For instance, a 60-year-old individual with an annual income of $65,000 could see their medical costs increase by $920, resulting in a monthly premium of $1,380. If tax credits continue, the premium would drastically fall to $460.
As the subsidy ends, individuals earning under $27,000 may have to pay $66 monthly, effectively eliminating their free coverage. An individual making $35,000 would experience a jump in payments from $86 to $132 should the subsidy not be extended.
The shutdown is also causing numerous flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has called on lawmakers to take action, responding to rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers. Employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and around 13,000 air traffic controllers have been working without pay since the shutdown’s inception.
“After 31 days without pay, air traffic controllers are experiencing significant stress and fatigue,” the FAA noted on social media. “The shutdown needs to end for these workers to receive their due pay and to mitigate further disruptions for travelers.”
Military personnel facing paycheck issues could also see additional ramifications. With funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) halted, roughly 42 million Americans may encounter food insecurity, impacting many service members as well.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) has urged both parties, particularly his own, to approve the “clean” Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by the House without hesitation.
“Americans don’t have leverage here,” Fetterman stated to CNN’s Manu Raju on Friday, stressing the seriousness of the situation. “This is not some game show about winning.”
Fetterman plans to discuss the shutdown’s impact on SNAP and other programs in depth on CNN’s “State of the Union” this Sunday.
The Trump administration has claimed it lacks the legal authority to release emergency funds beyond Saturday to keep SNAP operational; yet, two federal judges have ordered the government to utilize those funds. Later that same day, Trump declared his intent to defund SNAP.
“We don’t want Americans to go hungry due to Radical Democrats’ refusal to do what’s right and reopen the government,” he stated on a social platform. “Therefore, I have instructed our attorneys to seek court clarification on SNAP funding.”
On a different note, President Trump announced this week that the U.S. will resume nuclear weapons testing after a long hiatus, drawing significant criticism from lawmakers and others, including California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom remarked, “This is weakness masquerading as strength. This is classic Trump and Trumpism. It’s a sign of vulnerability. Weak individuals attempting to present a façade of power.”
Looking ahead to next week, attention will shift to the upcoming elections on November 4th. Notable contests include the New York mayoral race, where Democratic Rep. Zoran Mamdani is leading against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent following Mamdani’s primary win.
In New Jersey, a heated gubernatorial election is anticipated between Representative Mikie Sherrill (Democratic) and former state Representative Jack Ciattarelli (Republican). Trump has endorsed Ciattarelli, highlighting his expertise in energy policy as a basis for support.
The Virginia gubernatorial race also appears too close to call between former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Lt. Governor Winsome Earl Sears (R), while the attorney general matchup is overshadowed by scandal involving Democratic candidate Jay Jones and incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares (R).
Sherrill and Ciattarelli are set to appear on ABC’s “This Week,” and Cuomo will feature on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Features.”
This weekend’s Sunday newscasts will cover these various issues. Here’s a rundown of the guest appearances planned:
NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday”: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-Va.), Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (D-Va.), Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial candidate John Reed (R), and Rep. Ami Bera (D-California).
NBC’s “Meet the Press”: California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat).
“Face the Nation” on CBS News: Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (D), Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), and USAA President and CEO Juan Andrade.
CNN’s “State of the Union”: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (New York), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), former Obama administration and Biden campaign advisor Ashley Allison, and Republican strategist Kristin Davison.
Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday”: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), and Sen. Tim Scott (R-Louisiana).
FOX News’ “Sunday Morning Futures”: White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Nvidia President and CEO Jensen Huang, independent mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo (D), and attorney Mike Davis.
ABC’s “This Week”: Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), and New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli (R-N.J).
