The US Senate is set to vote on dueling plans to end the ongoing government shutdown, but neither plan is likely to pass, further prolonging the stalemate. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has already affected roughly 2 million federal workers, suspending scientific research, economic data reports, and financial regulation.
The Dueling Plans:
– Republican Plan: The Republican plan would fund the government through November 21. However, Democrats oppose this plan, arguing that it doesn’t address the expiring health subsidies that are crucial for millions of Americans.
– Democratic Plan: The Democratic plan, on the other hand, would bolster the expiring health subsidies in addition to funding the government. Republicans insist that the two issues should be dealt with separately.
Impact of the Shutdown:
– Federal Workers: Approximately 2 million federal workers are affected, with around 800,000 furloughed and 700,000 working without pay.
– Essential Services: Services like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Transportation Security Administration continue to operate.
– Economic Concerns: The shutdown may disrupt air travel, threaten food aid for millions of Americans, and force federal courts to close.
Blame Game:
Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other for the failure to keep the government funded. President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of obstructing the funding process, while Democrats argue that Republicans are refusing to compromise on key issues.
With neither plan likely to pass, the shutdown is expected to continue, causing further disruptions to government services and uncertainty for federal workers.