By Joseph Cunnigham
Photo of the US Capitol by Eric Lee/Getty Images
The government has been shut down now for more than 4 weeks. The government shut down when congress was unable to come up with a new spending plan to be signed into law. Specifically in the senate, Republicans were unable to secure the 60 votes necessary to pass the GOP spending bill. This was because democrats want the GOP bill to include extensions to crucial tax credits for medicare. These tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are estimated to help upwards of 4 million Americans keep their insurance, as many of these people make too much for medicare, however not enough for full-premium insurance.
The elderly would be hurt worse with insurance premiums increasing with age due to increased health risks. A 60 year old making 60,000 could see an increase of 2.5% of their total income needed to pay for premiums (8.5% to 11%). Millions of Americans will see increases in payments for coverage. This could lead to Americans taking lower coverage plans, leading to hesitancy around health issues. Democrats are also asking for the reversal of some of the medicare cuts and changes made in the Big Beautiful Bill.
However, still 42 million Americans are at risk of losing SNAP benefits as funds run out during the shutdown. These people rely on SNAP benefits to buy food every month. Many of the 22 million households have children to feed as well. The Trump Administration could use emergency funds in order to keep SNAP payments active, however Trump has said that only if “We are given the appropriate legal direction by the Court.”
States across the country are telling citizens to turn to local food banks, and local city governments are attempting to do their share as well. Other states are planning on using their own emergency funds to attempt to partially pay benefits.
Democrats face a difficult situation with republicans shifting all blame to them as they refuse to vote for the proposed bill. The continuation of the government shutdown can have major effects on Americans, with TSA workers and traffic control agents now missing an entire paycheck. However, republicans are refusing to negotiate or give any leeway for tax credit extensions, leaving many to wonder how they will get food.