美政府“停摆”持续 联邦雇员停薪留职 民生领域面临难题

Core Points - The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its 17th day, causing significant challenges in various sectors, particularly affecting federal employees who are working without pay, and raising concerns about healthcare subsidies and food assistance programs for low-income individuals [1][5][10] Group 1: Impact on Federal Employees - Salt Lake City International Airport has established a food distribution station to assist federal employees who are on unpaid leave due to the government shutdown, providing free food, daily necessities, and household items [2][4] - The executive director of the Salt Lake City International Airport highlighted that this is the second government shutdown he has experienced, emphasizing the need for support for employees who continue to work without receiving their salaries [4] Group 2: Healthcare Concerns - The ongoing stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over a temporary funding bill is primarily centered around the Affordable Care Act, leaving the future of healthcare subsidies uncertain [5] - A couple relying on the Affordable Care Act is anxious about potential gaps in their healthcare coverage, which could lead to skyrocketing medical expenses, particularly for necessary surgeries [7][9] Group 3: Food Assistance Programs - The prolonged government shutdown threatens the funding of nutrition assistance programs, with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program potentially running out of funds by the end of the month, affecting 7 million low-income individuals who depend on it for food assistance [10][12] - The public policy director of the WIC program association stressed the urgency of finding a long-term funding solution to prevent the suspension of food benefits, urging bipartisan negotiations to secure full funding for the program [12]