Hold on to your coffee, folks ☕: the US federal government is still on pause after Senate Democrats once again voted down a Republican bill to fund agencies for a short term. The tally was 54-44 6 same result as three prior tries.
Lawmakers from both sides are trading fire 🔥: Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune slammed Democrats for "taking the federal government hostage" and making everyday Americans "the only losers."
On the flip side, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued on X (formerly Twitter) that Republicans could reopen the government and make healthcare more affordable at the same time. Democrats are pushing to keep subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) alive and reverse Medicaid cuts tied to last year's One Big Beautiful Bill.
Why should you care? A shutdown can freeze everything from visa approvals to small business loans 6 real delays that hit everyone, from students in Jakarta to freelancers in Mumbai 1EE1F31F21F4.
Next steps: Republicans say they'll debate healthcare only after the doors swing open. Meanwhile, federal employees face furloughs and projects stay on ice. Looks like the weekend won't bring a fix, so get your squad chat buzzing 💬 6 this political saga is far from over.
Reference(s):
Senate Democrats block GOP bill, U.S. govt shutdown set to continue
cgtn.com
