Latest news federal government shutdown
Here are the latest news and updates on the federal government shutdown:
Latest Update: The partial government shutdown has entered its 27th day, making it the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown began on December 22, 2018, and has affected over 800,000 federal employees, with many going without pay.
Recent Developments:
- Senate Vote: The Senate voted 59-41 to advance a bill to reopen the government, but it fell short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. The bill would have provided $1.3 billion for border security, but not the $5.7 billion requested by President Trump.
- White House Meeting: President Trump met with Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi at the White House, but the meeting ended without an agreement. Trump reiterated his demand for a border wall, while Democrats refused to provide funding for it.
- Federal Courts: The shutdown has affected the federal judiciary, with many courts operating with reduced staff and some courts closing entirely.
- National Parks: Many national parks have been closed or are operating with limited services due to the shutdown.
- Food Assistance: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been affected, with some states experiencing delays in issuing benefits.
- Federal Contractors: Many federal contractors have not received paychecks, and some have been forced to lay off employees due to the shutdown.
- Economic Impact: The shutdown has had a significant impact on the economy, with some estimates suggesting it could cost the country over $11 billion per week.
Key Quotes:
- "We're not going to negotiate with ourselves. We're going to negotiate with the president and the Republicans." - Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
- "I think we're making progress, but we're not there yet." - President Trump
- "The shutdown is a national emergency, and it's time for the president to take responsibility and reopen the government." - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
What's Next:
- Senate Vote: The Senate is expected to vote again on a bill to reopen the government, but it's unclear if it will pass.
- White House Meeting: President Trump has said he may meet with Democratic leaders again, but no date has been set.
- Government Funding: The current continuing resolution expires on February 15, and if a new agreement is not reached, the government will shut down again.
Stay tuned for further updates on the federal government shutdown.