美政府“停摆”持续 民众“伤不起” 政客开派对

Core Points - The U.S. federal government shutdown has reached its 35th day, matching the previous record set during Trump's presidency, causing significant disruption to both public welfare and the economy [1] - Despite the ongoing shutdown, politicians are hosting lavish parties, exemplified by a recent Gatsby-themed event at Mar-a-Lago, highlighting a stark contrast between political actions and public suffering [3] Group 1: Government Shutdown Impact - The shutdown has led to millions of Americans losing food assistance, with federal workers forced to work without pay [1] - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports 42 million Americans, ceased operations due to funding exhaustion, affecting a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line [9] Group 2: Political and Corporate Interests - The White House is undertaking a $300 million project to build a new banquet hall, with a recent event hosting nearly 130 donors linked to the funding [5] - A report from the non-profit organization "Defend the Public Interest" revealed that two-thirds of the 24 sponsoring companies have significant ties to the federal government, holding contracts worth $279 billion, raising concerns about conflicts of interest [7] - Over the past five years, these companies and individuals have spent $1.6 billion on lobbying and campaign contributions, indicating a deep level of influence over government policies [7] Group 3: Public Sentiment and Criticism - Public reactions to the extravagant party highlight a disconnect between political priorities and the urgent needs of citizens, with comparisons drawn to the pre-Great Depression era depicted in "The Great Gatsby" [11] - Union representatives emphasize that immediate funding for food assistance programs should take precedence over luxury projects like the new banquet hall [11]