Core Points - The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its 27th day, leading to significant disruptions in various funding programs and services [1][3] - The social security system in the U.S. is facing major vulnerabilities due to the ongoing shutdown, with critical programs at risk of halting [3] Funding Programs Impact - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which assists approximately one-eighth of the U.S. population with food purchases, is expected to stop soon as funds are depleted, with no benefits to be issued after November 1 [3] - Over 130 early childhood education programs under the National Head Start Association may not receive federal funding if the government remains shut down, impacting many families [3] - The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition assistance program, which supports over 6 million low-income mothers and children, is also on the verge of suspension due to funding exhaustion [3] Transportation Sector Impact - The shutdown has exacerbated shortages of air traffic controllers, leading to increased flight delays and cancellations across the U.S. [3] - The ongoing government impasse continues to affect the daily lives of American citizens, with no resolution in sight between the two political parties [3]