It's a record no one wanted to break. Now 36 days in, the shutdown standoff is officially the longest in history. There's also new uncertainty this morning for millions of Americans who rely on federal food assistance.With long lines also growing at food banks nationwide. While in Congress, Democrats holding out for concessions from Republicans on health care, saying premiums for those on Obamacare are expected to skyrocket. Both sides pointing fingers.longest. I'm hopeful again that this is the week in whi ...

Core Insights - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment began on November 1, 2025, but subsidies are uncertain due to the ongoing government shutdown [1][2] - Premiums for ACA plans are expected to rise significantly, with average premiums potentially reaching $1,000 per month, as enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025 [2][8] - The expiration of these credits, which were introduced by the American Rescue Plan, is a major political issue affecting the government shutdown, with Democrats insisting on subsidy discussions before reopening the government [4][6] Premium Increases - Current ACA rates reflect the assumption that Americans will not receive enhanced premium tax credits, leading to much higher premiums compared to previous years [2][10] - Research indicates that without the enhanced credits, average out-of-pocket premiums for enrollees could more than double, increasing by $1,000 annually [9] - Older adults, particularly those in their sixties with middle incomes, could face an additional $25,000 in costs due to the loss of subsidies [9] Market Dynamics - Insurers are raising premiums in anticipation of a riskier enrollee pool, as younger and healthier individuals may leave the market without financial assistance [10] - The uncertainty surrounding subsidies is causing many potential enrollees to experience "sticker shock" when shopping for ACA plans [7][8] - There is a possibility for individuals to wait for Congress to extend subsidies, but they must enroll by the 2026 deadlines to avoid losing coverage [6][8]

Healthcare Policy & Impact - Republican cuts to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could drastically increase premiums, particularly in Florida, where nearly 5 million people rely on Obamacare [1][2] - Loss of ACA subsidies could force individuals to choose between essential healthcare needs, such as diabetes care and cancer treatment [4][5] - Rising healthcare premiums, potentially doubling or tripling, could increase costs by $18,000 per year for some families [8] Political & Economic Implications - The current administration's policies are perceived as prioritizing tax credits for billionaires and big companies over healthcare affordability for individuals [10] - The administration is accused of using the shutdown to create leverage against Democrats by potentially interrupting SNAP benefits, impacting vulnerable populations [19] - Government shutdown is affecting air traffic controller training, potentially disrupting the deployment of new controllers and requiring current employees to cover their own per diem expenses [15][16] Human Cost & Personal Stories - Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, melanoma, and heart conditions, face significant challenges in affording healthcare without ACA subsidies [4][8] - Families are struggling to balance healthcare costs with rising grocery and energy prices, highlighting the financial strain on working-class individuals [11] - Retired air traffic controllers and their families are directly affected by the government shutdown, leading to financial uncertainty and questioning of political choices [14][16]

We are now approaching the longest shutdown in American history. >> Democrat's fault. >> Under your presidency, we're talking about more than a million federal workers who are not getting a paycheck, including our air traffic controllers.You see, there's traffic snarls out at the airports. Now, this weekend, food aid for more than 42 million Americans is set to expire. What are you doing as president to end the shutdown.>> All we're doing is we keep voting. I mean, the Republicans are voting almost unanimou ...

Fiscal Discipline and Deficit Concerns - The US is facing a \$2 trillion annual deficit [2] - The national debt has increased from \$1 trillion to \$38 trillion over the past 40 years [3] - The current deficit is 6% of GDP and is projected to rise to 8-9% by the end of the decade [7][8] - Republicans are proposing \$1.5 trillion in budget cuts over 10 years, representing a small fraction (1.875%) of the total \$80 trillion budget [3] Healthcare Affordability and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Healthcare costs have almost tripled since the Affordable Care Act was passed 15 years ago [11] - The average family is now paying \$35,000 to \$40,000 per year for healthcare [13] - Concerns exist that expanding the ACA will primarily benefit large insurance companies, with 80% of the money potentially going to them [17] - Some argue that the ACA has been unaffordable and may have exacerbated healthcare inflation [6] Potential Consequences of Healthcare Cuts - Cuts to healthcare programs could lead to approximately 100,000 excess premature deaths over the next decade [9] - Reducing health insurance coverage may have adverse health consequences for families who have already budgeted for current premiums [19] Fraud in Healthcare Programs - Government auditors estimate over \$200 billion in fraud occurs annually in Medicare and Medicaid, involving ineligible individuals receiving benefits [4] Future Fiscal Challenges - Social Security and Medicare trust funds are set to expire within the next decade, posing significant fiscal challenges [20]

It is day 284 of the second Trump administration and just tonight. The White House says military members will get paid tomorrow despite the government shutdown. The administration plans to use a mix of legislative and Pentagon funds according to NBC News.Meanwhile, the 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP to buy their groceries may get some level of relief. A judge indicated she will likely order the Trump administration to use emergency money to fund the program in November. the money would not be able ...

We're now 29 days into the government shutdown. And join us now for the latest, Senator Ted Cruz uh of Texas, who serves as the chairman of the Commerce Committee. He recently introduced a Keep America Flying Act, which would pay air traffic controllers and TSA workers uh during the government shutdown.Yesterday was their first day of receiving zero pay since the shutdown began. We're living in um and it's good to see you, Senator. Thanks.and and it's starting to bite and and these there going to be some re ...

Well, we will not be covering Donald Trump's third term. Donald Trump will not serve a third term. Donald Trump will not run for a third term. Donald Trump's name will not appear on a presidential ballot in any state.So, we won't be covering the third term. And we won't be talking about the possibility of a third term because it's impossible. But Donald Trump wants us to talk about him running for a third term because it will distract from the Epstein files and it will distract from the cruelty he is imposi ...

There are two government programs at the center of the government shutdown. Obamacare, which has been the sticking point between Democrats and Republicans that is keeping the shutdown going, and federal food benefits that are commonly known as SNAP. It is about to run out of money because the Trump White House decided not to use emergency money to keep it going.That is a decision that Speaker Mike Johnson came out in support of today. And so far, both parties have made no progress in reopening the governmen ...

Government Shutdown & Political Standoff - The government shutdown is attributed to Republicans' refusal to negotiate on healthcare subsidies, raising trust concerns [1][3] - Democrats believe they are fighting for the right cause despite lacking control of the House, Senate, and White House [2] - The shutdown is being used by some Republicans to portray the government as ineffective, countered by the essential role of government safety nets [6] - A significant majority of Americans support Obamacare subsidies, but Republicans struggle to reconcile their opposition with its current popularity [19] Impact on Citizens & Economy - Food banks are unable to sustainably fill the gap left by the SNAP program during the shutdown, highlighting the critical role of government assistance [5] - Cuts in food assistance, starting November 1st, will impact real lives across all ages, including working individuals and families [7][8] - The shutdown's effects will ripple through the economy, as parents unable to access childcare due to Head Start program closures will be unable to work [11] - Approximately 1 million households in Florida benefit from food stamps, with a significant portion including elderly members, demonstrating the widespread impact in red states [13] Potential Resolution & Political Pressure - The shutdown could end through public pressure on elected officials, similar to the Head Start program incident, or through intervention from industries like airlines [20][21] - Republicans may face backlash as people experience increased insurance costs without subsidies, potentially leading them to be held responsible [25][26] - The situation transcends political lines, as even Trump voters will be substantially impacted if SNAP benefits are disrupted [16]