New York: A prolonged funding standoff between Republicans and Democrats in the US Senate has paralysed government operations, triggering widespread disruption across the country. Now in its 39th day, the shutdown has led to mass flight cancellations, unpaid federal workers, and the suspension of food assistance programmes for millions of low-income Americans.
Essential services continue to operate, but many staff, including air traffic controllers, have not been paid. A government-mandated 10 per cent reduction in flights at 40 major airports resulted in the cancellation of around 1,000 flights on Saturday.
The Senate convened for an unusual weekend sitting in a bid to resolve the impasse but failed to reach agreement. Another session is scheduled for Sunday.
The deadlock centres on a temporary funding measure known as a “continuing resolution,” which has been blocked by a filibuster, a procedural hurdle requiring 60 votes to advance legislation. Republicans, holding 53 seats, lack the numbers to break it.
President Donald Trump has urged his party to eliminate the filibuster rule, but Republican senators remain cautious, fearing future disadvantage if Democrats regain control. Trump claimed on Truth Social that Democrats were “cracking” under pressure, though they held firm on Saturday.
Democrats have tied their support for the funding bill to the extension of Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at year-end. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said his party was ready to pass a funding bill that includes healthcare affordability, placing the onus on Republicans.
Republican Senate Leader John Thune has refused to negotiate on Obamacare unless Democrats end the filibuster. However, Democrats have softened some earlier demands, dropping calls to reverse cuts to Medicaid.
The shutdown’s impact is being felt across sectors. A lower court had allowed food programme funding to continue, but Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a temporary ruling on Friday enabling the administration to halt those funds. Charities nationwide are reporting surging demand as families struggle to access food.
Trump has proposed direct subsidies to individuals for healthcare, bypassing insurance providers, a plan rejected by Democrats.
The Congressional Budget Office warns the shutdown could reduce US economic growth by up to two per cent in the final quarter of the year.
(Inputs from IANS)