US Government Shutdown Continues Third Day Amid Senate Vote Plans

The U.S. government shutdown has entered its third day with no immediate resolution as the Senate prepares to reconvene for another vote, though bipartisan agreement remains elusive. Democrats are demanding protections for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans, backed by President Trump, refuse to alter their funding proposals, blaming Democrats for the impasse. The White House has escalated partisan rhetoric through official channels, instructing furloughed federal employees to use out-of-office messages that place blame on Democratic senators, a move that may violate the Hatch Act. The shutdown has led to widespread disruptions, including closures of national landmarks, cancellation of major events, delays in economic reporting, and threats of layoffs and agency closures. Meanwhile, some local governments and utilities are implementing measures to assist furloughed workers, such as eviction protections, payment plans, and no-interest loans. Economic forecasts warn that each additional week of the shutdown could cost the economy $7 billion, underscoring the urgency of a resolution.