Shutdown Threatens Benefits, Flights and Federal Pay

The partial federal government shutdown, now entering its third to fourth week, is barreling toward an Oct. 31–Nov. 1 cliff when SNAP and Head Start benefits could stop and Affordable Care Act open enrollment begins. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees remain furloughed or working without pay, and contractors—who often lack guaranteed back pay—face acute financial strain. Court filings by affected workers and labor groups describe harms, including risks of losing health coverage, and some unions are seeking judicial relief to block shutdown-era layoffs. Major pilot unions and airline associations have urged Congress to approve a clean continuing resolution, warning that unpaid air traffic controllers and TSA staffing shortages could cause significant flight delays, cancellations and safety risks this holiday season. Local officials and food-assistance workers report being overwhelmed by calls from families fearful of losing benefits, and lawmakers face mounting pressure to fund the government or extend ACA subsidies as the impasse persists.