Live Updates on Government Shutdown: Trump Assures Military Pay; Latest Senate Voting Results
Government Shutdown Leads to Airport Delays and Staff Shortages, Highlights Congressional Stalemate
Impact on Major Airports and TSA Staffing
The ongoing government shutdown has begun to significantly impact major airports, with staffing shortages becoming a pressing issue. TSA officers and air traffic controllers continue to work unpaid, leading to potential disruptions in airport operations.
- Airports report normal wait times, but concerns grow over prolonged shutdown effects.
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warns of potential increased wait times as the situation endures.
Trump and Congress: Efforts to Resolve the Deadlock
President Donald Trump met with his Cabinet on Thursday, urging action to end the funding deadlock. Despite discussions, two new funding proposals were rejected in the Senate, marking the seventh failed attempt to reopen the government.
| Proposal | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Republican-backed funding extension until November 21 | Rejected |
| Democratic-backed healthcare reform package | Rejected |
Economic Consequences and Stock Market Performance
Wall Street has felt the shutdown’s sting, with U.S. stocks closing lower on Thursday. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all experienced minor declines after days of reaching fresh highs.
- S&P 500: Closed at 6,735.11, down by 0.3%
- Dow Jones: Fell by 243 points, ending at 46,358.42
- Nasdaq: Closed at 3,024.63, a decrease of 0.1%
Military Funding and Government Employees: Strained Resources
President Trump assured military members that their paychecks will not be delayed despite the government shutdown, while federal employees faced uncertainty over their upcoming payments. The President signaled support for standalone legislation to ensure the military’s funding.
Political Blame and Public Reaction
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates widespread blame for the government shutdown across political lines. More than 60% of adults attribute responsibility to Congress and the President.
- 67% believe congressional Republicans are to blame
- 63% attribute blame to both Democrats and Trump
Government Employee Fair Treatment Act and Future Pay
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 mandates that furloughed federal employees receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. However, President Trump suggested that some workers might not qualify for retroactive compensation, raising concerns among federal workers.
Nuclear Stockpile Funding Concerns
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright expressed alarm at the diminishing funds for the National Nuclear Security Administration due to the shutdown. The agency, responsible for maintaining the safety of the nation’s nuclear stockpile, requires urgent financial attention to continue its operations.
Credit Union Support During Shutdown
Federal Credit Unions, unaffected by congressional funding lapses, continue to offer assistance to furloughed employees. They provide special programs such as short-term loans, fee waivers, and payment deferrals to help bridge financial gaps.
Continued Efforts to End the Shutdown
The Senate is set to vote once more on competing proposals to reopen the government, although no resolution appears imminent. Both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with ongoing debates over the inclusion of healthcare reforms in any funding bill.
As the shutdown continues, federal employees, military members, and affected industries await a resolution that will restore full government operations and services.
