Shutdown Nears Record, Threatening Benefits and Travel

The U.S. government shutdown has stretched into its 30th+ day and is poised to become the longest in history, with little floor activity and no immediate votes to reopen the government. Lawmakers remain deadlocked over spending disagreements — including disputes over Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions and major Republican healthcare provisions — though tentative bipartisan talks could produce a deal next week. SNAP funding faces suspension this weekend threatening millions, and ACA enrollment subsidies are at risk, which could raise premiums. Economic effects are mounting: more than 65,000 small-business federal contractors lost roughly $12 billion in October, and unpaid essential workers such as TSA agents and air-traffic controllers are contributing to increasing flight disruptions that administration officials including Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned could spell holiday travel “disaster.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged Congress to pass a continuing resolution and consider help for contractors while local governments and nonprofits step in to provide emergency food and services.