Shutdown in the USA: Government about to end, millions affected!

Shutdown in the USA: Government about to end, millions affected!

An end to the weeks-long partial shutdown of US government business is within reach. The House of Representatives has passed an interim budget that will remain in effect until the end of January. The Senate had already approved the bill, and now the whole world is waiting for US President Donald Trump to override his veto. This decision is expected late on Wednesday evening (local time). 222 representatives took part in the vote in the House of Representatives, with 209 voting against. What's fascinating is that some Democrats agreed to the proposal in order to find a quick solution. Radiobielefeld reports on the tense situation in Congress, where the political dispute over the federal budget, especially over tax credits for health insurance contributions, is simmering.

The partial shutdown, which has lasted since October 1st, has now reached historic proportions. At 43 days, this shutdown breaks all records and even surpasses the previous 35 days that took place in 2019 during Trump's administration. The effects are devastating: hundreds of thousands of federal government employees have not received their salaries for weeks. There is no food aid for millions of people, and aviation is severely affected - numerous flights have already had to be canceled. Access to government services has also been significantly restricted. ZDF reports that the SNAP program, which provides food aid to around 42 million people, is particularly affected by this crisis.

Consequences for the population and authorities

The situation has reached stupendous proportions, as many state institutions and authorities are only working to a limited extent or are no longer working at all. As a result, essential services such as the work of the tax authorities are being severely hindered - around half of the employees are on furlough. The rush to food banks is increasing rapidly as many people find themselves in distress due to delays in social services. Deutschlandfunk describes the deficient circumstances in which even air traffic controllers have to do essential work without pay.

Democrats and Republicans are at odds over ongoing disputes over health care. While Republicans are interested in finding a solution to health care costs in Congress only after the shutdown is over, Democrats are calling for a reversal of cuts to health care programs that primarily affect low-income people. The pressure on both parties is growing as the disruption to regular life becomes more and more severe.

A victory for Trump?

Trump has already celebrated the impending end of the shutdown as a “great victory.” However, the interim budget could only be a temporary solution. It initially applies until the end of January, and without a regular budget there is a risk of another budget freeze from February. The political issue could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming midterm elections next year. It remains to be seen whether Trump will risk another shutdown given the political pressure. The events of the last few weeks suggest that Americans are eager for a quick resolution to financial and political uncertainties.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop further. The deep rifts between the parties could soon erupt inexorably again if agreement on a final budget cannot be achieved. Is peace in Washington finally just a temporary situation? The next few weeks will show whether Congress is able to find a sustainable solution.