Government Funding & Shutdown - A bill to fund the federal government through January needs to pass in the House and be signed by President Trump to end the shutdown [1] - The shutdown is considered a mistake with no good results worth the pain inflicted on the American people [7] - The inability to govern harms the United States' standing in the world, showing vulnerabilities to adversaries and unreliability to allies [8] - The House rules require a 48-hour reading period for bills before a vote, a reform often demanded by conservative groups [5] Veterans Affairs - Senator Moran will honor Veterans Day by ringing the opening bell at NASDAQ [1][3] - Ensuring veterans receive the things promised to them is a key responsibility [3] Political Landscape & Senate Dynamics - The House is seen as more vulnerable than the Senate for a potential shift in power [17] - There's a strong sense of dissatisfaction among the American people with the way things are [17] - Reconciliation is a narrow opportunity in the Senate rules allowing 51 senators to act, and there's talk of using it again [12][13] - The divisiveness in politics has increased, with a focus on fighting rather than solving problems [23]

It is day 37 37 of the government shutdown. Bipartisan talks continue on Capitol Hill. Joining us now, Republican Senator Katie Britt.She's been a uh playing a key role in discussions. Uh I don't know how much you can tell us. Senator, who is is Senator Collins involved.Who's who's involved on uh on the other side of the aisle. >> Everyone. >> Yeah.So, uh yeah, Senator Collins obviously is taking a lead with her role as chair of appropriations. Um, we are working with other members obviously both within our ...

Staffing Crisis at VA Hospitals - Inspector General report reveals severe staffing shortages across all 139 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers [1] - Staffing needs are 50% higher than the previous year for both clinical and non-clinical roles [1] - The report's data was completed in April, potentially not reflecting subsequent workforce cuts [1] Impact on Veteran Care - Veterans are being shortchanged on care due to staffing shortages [3] - Veterans may not be able to access the care they have earned and been promised [4] - A veteran received a letter stating her psychologist was resigning, with the only alternative offered being a crisis hotline [7] Mental Health Crisis - The biggest shortage in the clinical area is in psychology [4] - Male veterans have a 44% higher suicide rate than their civilian counterparts [13] - Female veterans have a 92% higher suicide rate than their civilian counterparts [13] VA Response and Debate - Administration officials claim the findings are unreliable and subjective [2] - The VA Secretary has argued the department is bloated and needs more staffing cuts [10] - Current staffing levels have been hard-won by generations of veterans, particularly concerning mental health care [10][11][12]