_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
Until now, the government shutdown has not affected most Americans. President Donald Trump took measures to ensure that troops received payment, and tariff revenues were used to fund certain programs.
However, as the shutdown drags on and critical programs like SNAP run out of funds, tens of millions of Americans are set to face the consequences of a stalled government.
_THE FACTS_
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned troops may miss paychecks starting November 15.
Trump also directed tariff revenues to fund WIC — food stamps for women, infants, and children — but it’s unclear how long that will last.
WIC covers 40 percent of infants born in the United States.
SNAP — food stamps — funding will be unpaid entirely. SNAP covers over 40 million people per month.
Nearly two million of those are non-citizens, costing roughly $5.7 billion per year.
Police are boosting security around grocery stores as some SNAP recipients threaten to rob them if payments stop.
7,000 flights were delayed earlier this week as fewer airport controllers showed up for work.
Head Start centers — preschools for low-income families — are beginning to close as federal funds lapse.
_INSIGHTS_
Democrats believe the shutdown is helping them, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) saying, “Every day gets better for us.” But as CNN reported, the GOP’s image has increased by eight percent with independents during the shutdown.
The facts are simple: Senate Republicans have attempted multiple times to reopen the government, but it requires 60 votes — meaning seven Democrats must join them. The ball remains in their court.
