The US government shutdown has now extended into its 28th day, with no resolution in sight as the Senate remains deadlocked over spending legislation. This impasse threatens crucial food aid programs, which are nearing the end of their funding.

For the 13th time, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-backed bill intended to fund federal agencies through November 21. The minority party remains unwilling to support the proposal unless it includes funding for healthcare programs and reverses cuts to previously approved congressional allocations.

The ongoing deadlock persists despite the president of the largest federal workers union urging Congress to pass the Republican proposal, highlighting the economic toll this shutdown has taken on government employees. “Both political parties have made their points, yet there is still no clear end in sight. It’s time for a clean continuing resolution to end this shutdown now,” stated Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer signaled a continuation of his party’s strategy to negotiate for concessions from Republicans, citing impending premium increases for Affordable Care Act health plans. Many enrollees have received notifications of steep premium hikes, sparking panic among families across America.

“How will they pay these bills? How can they live without healthcare? This situation is tragic and entirely avoidable,” Schumer stated at the US Capitol.

In response, Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune leveraged the AFGE’s statement, criticizing Democrats for their reluctance to support the bill. He argues that their refusal to compromise is irresponsible given the stakes involved. “I hope Democrats will come to their senses and provide the necessary votes to move this bill forward,” Thune expressed, indicating plans for further votes on the spending legislation.

The two parties continue to trade blame as the expiration of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, looms. The Department of Agriculture has announced a lack of funds to continue SNAP benefits after November 1. In response, over two dozen states have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, asserting that funds are still available to sustain SNAP.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer urged Democrats to either support a proposal from Senator Josh Hawley allowing SNAP to continue or simply reopen the government. “They should have been doing this for the past month,” he stated.

Senator Mike Rounds, also a Republican, suggested that bipartisan action is needed to address the expiration of tax credits but criticized the Affordable Care Act as fundamentally flawed. “The ongoing cost increases create a death spiral that harms real people,” he remarked.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, reiterated her party’s commitment to resolving the shutdown. “Millions are receiving health insurance premium notices, and they are demanding lower costs. Democrats are fighting to reduce healthcare expenses for all Americans, while some would rather shut down the government,” she asserted.

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine raised concerns about the impact of the shutdown on air traffic controllers, who did not receive a full paycheck due to the ongoing situation. “I can’t help but think that reflects the strain on air traffic control operations,” she noted, referring to recent flight diversions experienced during her travel.