美国：“停摆”危机逼近“临界点” 吃饭和看病问题沦为党争筹码

Core Points - The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its second month, approaching the record for the longest shutdown in U.S. history, with no resolution in sight as both parties remain entrenched in their positions [1][6] - A federal food assistance program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves approximately 42 million people, is facing funding issues and may stop disbursing benefits due to the shutdown [3][4] - The annual enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance began on November 1, but rising premiums are expected if enhanced subsidies are not extended, with potential increases averaging 114% for many enrollees [6][7] Group 1: Federal Food Assistance - The Rhode Island federal district court has ordered the government to utilize emergency funds to continue SNAP benefits, which are critical for low-income individuals [3] - The USDA initially planned to use emergency funds but later stated that funds were exhausted, leading to a halt in food assistance on November 1 [3][4] - The monthly funding requirement for SNAP is approximately $8 billion, and delays in benefit disbursement have already occurred in several states [3] Group 2: Healthcare and ACA Enrollment - The ongoing government shutdown has prevented the Senate from passing a temporary funding bill, primarily due to disagreements over healthcare spending [6][7] - The ACA enrollment period has started, with around 24 million individuals eligible, but the lack of extended subsidies could lead to significant premium increases for many [6] - Political maneuvering by both parties during the shutdown has resulted in a lack of urgency to resolve the funding impasse, impacting healthcare benefits [7]