Nuclear Arms Control & International Relations - The US, Russia, and China have not engaged in underground nuclear testing since 1996, approaching 30 years [2] - The US has conducted over 1,000 underground nuclear tests, while China has only done 40 [2] - A US "golden dome" missile defense system costing $1 trillion to $2 trillion would provoke an offensive weapon response from Russia and China [3] - Extending the New Start treaty for one year beginning in February 2026 is crucial for maintaining nuclear arms control [5][6] - Failure to extend New Start could lead to an arms race with increased offensive and defensive weapon development by the US and its rivals [6] Domestic Policy & Government Shutdown - A government shutdown could cause 1 million people in Massachusetts to lose SNAP benefits [12] - $5 billion is available at the Department of Agriculture to address the food crisis resulting from the shutdown [12] - In Massachusetts, one-third of SNAP recipients are children, one-third are elderly, and one-third are disabled [13] - House Republicans are hindering negotiations by not being present in Washington [15]