The US Senate is set to vote on dueling plans to end the shutdown, but neither plan is likely to pass. Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other for the failure to keep the government funded beyond October 1, the start of the fiscal year.
Key Points:
– Shutdown Impact: The shutdown has suspended scientific research, economic data reports, financial regulation, and other activities, affecting roughly 2 million federal workers, with 300,000 forced out by the end of the year.
– Disagreement: Democrats want to include pandemic-era healthcare subsidies in the funding package, while Republicans say this issue should be dealt with separately.
– Potential Consequences: A prolonged shutdown could disrupt air travel, food aid for millions of Americans, and force federal courts to close. Federal workers would miss their first paycheck in mid-October if the standoff isn’t resolved by then.