Government shutdown hits 3 weeks as furloughs mount

WASHINGTON – The federal government shutdown enters its 21st day – headed toward its fourth week – as Democrats and Republicans remain bitterly divided over how to resolve rising health care costs.

The impasse continues after widespread “No Kings” protest rallies against President Donald Trump during the weekend. Democrats continue to insist on greater health care spending – an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and the restoration of Medicaid benefits – as a condition of reopening the government. But Republicans contend the government should reopen before health care talks begin.

The Senate failed for the 11th time Oct. 20 to approve a House-passed bill to fund the government through Nov. 21. Three Democrats have joined Republicans but the GOP needs another five Democrats to overcome a 60-vote threshold to send the legislation to Trump.

Meanwhile, the third-longest shutdown in history grinds on with workers missing paychecks, flights increasingly delayed and lower-income families threatened losing food assistance.

Here are the latest updates about the shutdown:

Obamacare premium hikes lend ‘urgency’ to resolving shutdown: Jeffries

Premium notices for the Affordable Care Act are beginning to land in mailboxes nationwide – as the U.S. Postal Service continues to operate despite the shutdown – spreading an ominous warning about how much costs could rise if Congress doesn’t act.

Subsidies in the form of tax credits are set to expire Dec. 31. Democrats would like to extend them. Republicans would like to make adjustments to the program, too, and refuses to negotiate an extension during the shutdown.

But open enrollment begins Nov. 1 and premiums are projected to double on average. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, said the issue needs to be resolved “with urgency.”

“All across the country right now, tens of millions of Americans are receiving notices that are shocking them in terms of the premiums, co-pays and deductible increases.”

Flights are delayed but not necessarily from shutdown

Air traffic controllers at the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration officers continue to work during the shutdown as essential personnel.

But without paychecks, absences tend to increase as staffers scramble for other income.

The Federal Aviation Administration Oct. 19 that staffing issues were delaying travel at airports in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and Newark.

It wasn’t clear, however, if the issues are tied directly to the shutdown. Bad weather in the Northeast could have been to blame, according to Mike Arnot, a spokesperson for Cirium, an aviation data analytics company.

Federal courts furlough non-essential workers

Federal courts had enough reserves to keep staffers on duty for three weeks, but have now furloughed non-essential workers as the funding lapse extended beyond Oct. 20.

The Supreme Court has closed its building to the public, although the justices will continue hearing cases.

While other federal judges − district, bankruptcy and appellate − will also continue working, they will be joined only by essential staffers, the U.S. Administrative Office of the Courts announced.

The court announcements come as the high court prepares for arguments in several high-profile cases. On Nov. 5, the justices are scheduled to hear arguments about whether Trump overstepped his authority in imposing tariffs on countries around the world. Trump has said he might attend the hearing.

Will I still receive my Social Security check?

Yes, Social Security payments, including Supplemental Security Income and benefits for retirement, disability and survivors, continue during a government shutdown.

Because Social Security benefit programs are considered mandatory spending by law, they are not impacted by the lapse in funding appropriations. Payments are still distributed on a regular schedule during the shutdown.

Social Security offices are still open during the shutdown, but only some services are available.