Core Viewpoint - The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its fourth week, causing significant economic losses estimated at $7 billion per month, which cannot be recovered once the government reopens [3][4]. Economic Impact - The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts that if the shutdown lasts for 4 weeks, the U.S. GDP will decrease by $7 billion; if it lasts for 6 weeks, the loss will be $11 billion; and if it extends to 8 weeks, the total loss could reach $14 billion [4]. Political Dynamics - There is a growing pessimism among senators regarding the possibility of reaching a bipartisan agreement to reopen the federal government, as highlighted by North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis [5]. - Senate Democratic leaders insist that negotiations on healthcare subsidies must occur before they agree to reopen the government [5]. SNAP Benefits and Legal Actions - A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting the distribution of food stamps (SNAP) during the shutdown, arguing that this decision is illegal and jeopardizes food security for millions [6][7]. - The SNAP emergency fund, estimated to be between $5 billion and $6 billion, is insufficient to cover the anticipated $8 billion in benefits for November, but it could provide partial support [7].

Group 1 - The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its fourth week, with a pessimistic outlook from senators regarding the possibility of a bipartisan agreement to restart the government [1] - The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported that the shutdown is causing approximately $7 billion in economic losses each month, which cannot be recovered once the government reopens [1] - If the shutdown lasts for 4 weeks, the U.S. real GDP is projected to decline by $7 billion; if it lasts for 6 weeks, the decline will be $11 billion; and if it lasts for 8 weeks, the losses could reach $14 billion [1] Group 2 - Vice President Vance pressured Senate Democrats to block votes on bills related to food stamp (SNAP) benefits and air traffic controller salaries during the shutdown [2] - A Republican source expressed confidence that a temporary funding bill (CR) could be passed soon, despite opposition from Senate Republican leadership and the House Speaker regarding partial government reopening [2] - House Speaker Johnson criticized votes for special funding for federal employee salaries or SNAP benefits as a waste of time, citing previous opposition from nearly all House Democrats [2] Group 3 - Officials from 25 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting food stamp distributions during the shutdown, arguing that the decision is illegal and threatens food security for millions [3] - The SNAP emergency fund, estimated to be between $5 billion and $6 billion, is deemed necessary to cover a portion of the expected $8 billion in benefits for November, although it is insufficient for full coverage [3] - The Trump administration has stated it will not utilize the $5 billion emergency fund for November food stamp benefits, indicating that the funds are intended for disaster response [3]