Government Reopening & Negotiation - A senator initially voted against reopening the government but changed the vote to yes after securing key wins [1][2] - The key wins included fullyear funding for the SNAP program, protecting 45 million Americans [3] - The negotiation also secured protections for federal employees, ensuring back pay for those furloughed and a guarantee of no mass firings [3][4] - The agreement included a guarantee of a vote on a healthcare proposal put forth by the Democrats [4] Healthcare & Political Strategy - The senator viewed reopening the government as necessary to create a path, though not a guarantee, to address healthcare issues [6] - The senator emphasized the need for Democrats to present the best healthcare proposal and force a vote to reduce healthcare costs [7] - The senator contrasted the situation with the previous 40 days, where Republicans refused to engage on healthcare until the government was reopened [6] - The senator highlighted the need to adjust strategies when the initial plan isn't working, comparing it to a football team making adjustments at halftime [6]

The Senate back in session today, but it is still unclear if there's going to be a vote to end the government shutdown, which is now 34 days old. Joining us now with the latest is Jake Sherman, Punch Bowls News co-founder, also his NBC News and MSNBC political contributor. We're we're all trying to make sense of this, Jake.A lot of folks betting that, you know, given the election uh tomorrow that maybe uh things loosen up after that. Is that have any credence in your mind. >> Not really, to be honest with y ...

RT Douglass Mackey (@DougMackeyCase)This is a metaphor for the SNAP program.A 4’11” 225 lb foreign woman shoveling free junk food paid for by taxpayers into her gaping maw. ...

Legal & Regulatory - Federal courts are ruling on the Trump administration's decision to not fund the SNAP program starting November 1st [1] - A Rhode Island judge ruled that the US government needs to find funding for the SNAP program [1] - A Massachusetts judge indicated the government needs to provide SNAP benefits and cannot cut off the program, requesting written confirmation of the White House's plan regarding funding [2] - Courts are indicating the Trump administration will need to find a way to fund the SNAP program and cannot end it immediately [3] Government Funding - The ruling references a contingency fund that the secretary previously stated was unavailable, but the judge is directing its use [2]

Government Shutdown Impact - The government shutdown has reached day 29, with the Senate failing to pass the House-approved bill for the 13th time [1] - 42 million people are at risk of losing federal food and nutrition benefits under the SNAP program starting this Saturday [1] - The Wick food assistance program for women and children could run out of funds next week [1] - Air traffic controllers are no longer receiving paychecks, and TSA officers missed their first paychecks last Friday [1] - Active duty troops could start going without pay by November 15th [1] Political Dynamics - House Speaker Mike Johnson won't call Republican lawmakers back until Democrats pass the bill [1] - Democrats are focused on healthcare, specifically the extension of Obamacare subsidies [2] - Senate Republican leaders considered one-off funding bills for programs like SNAP and air traffic controller pay, but are backing off due to White House and House Speaker opposition [2] - Republicans control everything, so ultimately they probably take the vast majority of the blame if these things unfold the way that we think that they'll unfold [2] Economic Concerns - Everyone's about to see a pretty big increase in their health care premiums [2] - The job market is looking really, really tight, especially for college graduates [2]

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]

Joining us now, Republican Congressman of South Dakota, Dusty Johnson. Thanks for coming on the program. Uh, Congressman, when the speaker says he is working through, what does that mean.What are your observations about getting this bill to what where I know you want it to be, which is the finish line. I mean, the holdouts are concerned about good policy. They want to make sure that this bill, particularly in areas related to Medicaid, move our country in the right place.I spent two hours at the White House ...