The federal government has shut down after the U.S. Senate failed, on partisan votes, to pass either a House-passed Republican or Democratic short-term funding bill, until full-year bills are passed. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
Republicans accused Democrats of holding the government “hostage.” Democrats accused Republicans of refusing to negotiate to extend pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies and restore Trump-era Medicaid cuts—neither of which affect American Samoa.
But Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer argued that talks were needed for those who are affected…
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[Transc.] Schumer: “Not once were Democrats asked what input should be in the bill. We were not told about it, we were not asked about it, etc. You cannot pass legislation in the Senate, when it comes to appropriations, unless it is bipartisan.”
But Majority Leader John Thune argued Schumer’s side voted 13 times in recent years not to shut down the government, quoting Schumer…
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[Transc.] Thune: “In 2023, the Democrat Leader called the shutdown, and I quote, “avoidable, irresponsible and deeply damaging,” while thousands of federal workers could be furloughed.”
Republicans proposed a short-term funding extension to November 21. Democrats countered with one until October 31, but with healthcare and spending demands attached. Neither bill secured the 60-vote supermajority needed.
GOP Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata called the shutdown “needless” and said the House-passed bill would just have extended current funding another seven weeks, but she remained hopeful for a short lapse.
Still, the shutdown could be painful for many.
Non-essential workers will be furloughed and get back pay later. Most essential staff will work without pay but will also be paid retroactively.
Service members must report to work and are generally not paid during the shutdown, though there are resources to help during such times.
Military retirees will still receive benefits.
