US Government Shutdown Enters Sixth Week as Trump Refuses to Compromise:

The US government shutdown has entered its sixth week, leaving millions of workers without pay and the country grappling with growing economic and social fallout. The impasse, now one of the longest in American history, shows little sign of ending as President Donald Trump refuses to back down from his demands and Democrats stand firm on healthcare funding. The shutdown began when Congress failed to pass a budget bill for the new fiscal year. At the center of the dispute are the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which Democrats want extended for another year. They argue the credits help millions afford health insurance, especially as medical costs rise. President Trump has called the ACA “the worst healthcare anywhere in the world” and instead suggested Congress send money directly to citizens to buy their own insurance plans. On social media this weekend, Trump made it clear that he would not compromise, saying, “We need real reform, not more broken programs.” He also urged Senate Republicans to end the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, allowing them to bypass Democrats completely. Vice President JD Vance supported the move, calling Republicans who oppose it “wrong.” However, GOP leaders remain divided, with some fearing that eliminating the filibuster would set a dangerous precedent. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has renewed calls to reopen the government immediately. Democrats have proposed reopening federal agencies and extending ACA tax credits for one year as a show of good faith. “All Republicans have to do is say yes,” Schumer said, blaming Trump for “holding the American people hostage over a political fight.” A bipartisan group of moderate senators, led by Jeanne Shaheen, has been meeting through the weekend to craft a compromise. Their plan would fund essential services such as veterans’ programs, food aid, and the legislative branch while extending temporary funding for other departments into early next year. However, even if lawmakers reach an agreement, it remains uncertain whether Trump would sign it without major policy wins. The shutdown’s effects are being felt across the country. Over one million federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay. At airports, staffing shortages have caused long delays and flight cancellations. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food aid to millions of low-income families, has delayed payments, deepening hardship for vulnerable communities. Economists warn the prolonged shutdown could have lasting consequences. Analysts estimate it may cost the US economy up to $14 billion and reduce quarterly GDP growth by as much as two percent if it continues. “Every day the government remains closed, more families suffer and more damage is done,” said one policy expert. Pressure is mounting on both parties to act, but neither side wants to appear weak ahead of a possible 2026 election showdown. Trump’s push to end the filibuster has further complicated talks, dividing Republicans and alarming institutionalists who see the rule as a safeguard for minority voices in the Senate. As the standoff drags on, frustration is boiling over. Unpaid workers are protesting outside government buildings, while airlines, food suppliers, and small businesses dependent on federal contracts are struggling to stay afloat. Yet from the White House to Capitol Hill, neither side appears ready to concede. Now in its sixth week, the US government shutdown has evolved from a budget dispute into a political power struggle with real human consequences. Until one side yields, millions of Americans remain caught in the crossfire — waiting for Washington to start working again.

NEWS