Core Points - European credit rating agency Scope Ratings has downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from "AA" to "AA-" due to deteriorating public finances and declining government governance standards [1] - The agency forecasts that without substantial reforms, U.S. government debt as a percentage of GDP could rise to 140% by 2030, significantly higher than most sovereign nations [1] Group 1: Public Finance - The report highlights that the U.S. public finances are deteriorating, evidenced by persistently high fiscal deficits, rising interest expenditures, and constrained budget flexibility [1] - These factors are contributing to a continuous increase in government debt levels [1] Group 2: Government Shutdown Impact - The ongoing federal government shutdown is causing delays in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with temporary funding bills facing obstacles in Congress [1] - Food banks and anti-hunger organizations in eight U.S. states have warned that failure to distribute SNAP benefits in November could lead to a surge in food insecurity [1] - Approximately 7 million women, infants, and children depend on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, which is also threatened by the government shutdown [1]