The US federal government 'shutdown' entered its 34th day on Day 3, just 'one day away' from the longest shutdown record in history at 35 days. However, so far, Trump has not shown any willingness to back down.
On the 2nd, while returning to Washington, Trump urged Democratic senators to vote in support of a temporary funding bill—already passed in the House and proposed by Republicans—to end the government 'shutdown.'
The Senate has previously voted 14 times on temporary funding bills, but has not reached the 60-vote 'threshold' required for passage.
On the same day, in a CBS '60 Minutes' interview, Trump once again criticized Democrats who are pushing for extended healthcare subsidies, saying they 'have lost their way,' and predicted that these lawmakers 'will ultimately compromise with Republicans.'
He said he 'will not yield to Democratic blackmail' to restart government operations and made it clear he currently has no intention of negotiating with the Democrats.
This federal government 'shutdown' has caused disruptive impacts directly affecting civil aviation, food, healthcare, and other sectors, and the scope is continuously expanding, putting both people's livelihoods and the economy under dual pressure.
According to statistics, since the federal government 'shutdown began, approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 airport security personnel have been forced to work without pay. The number of people taking leave is increasing, leading to an acute shortage of staff in the civil aviation industry, aggravating flight delays in many places, and increasing aviation safety risks.
Possible Airspace Closures Due to Shutdown
On the 3rd, US Transportation Secretary Tuffy stated that currently there is a shortage of 2,000 to 3,000 air traffic controllers.
He said that if authorities determine air travel to be dangerous, US airspace will be closed.
Tuffy emphasized that the US has not reached that stage yet, but the government 'shutdown' has indeed put the aviation system at greater risk.
Government to Distribute 50% Food Assistance
In addition, on the 3rd, the Trump administration announced it would use emergency funds to maintain issuance of half of this month's 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program' benefits, but some states may need several weeks or even months to resume distribution.
Due to funds running out, the 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program' suspended distribution of benefits starting on the 1st of this month. This federal food aid program is overseen by the US Department of Agriculture and spends over $8 billion per month (about RM33.566 billion).
According to US media reports, this is the first time in the 60 years since the 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program' was established that benefits have been stopped—even during previous federal government 'shutdowns,' benefits were never suspended.
In a court-submitted document on the 3rd, Payne, Deputy Assistant for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the US Department of Agriculture, said the Department will utilize $4.65 billion in emergency funds to issue food assistance benefits for November, but this can only meet 50% of current demand.
Payne said the Department of Agriculture will immediately provide states with detailed plans on how to partially distribute benefits to each household. However, due to 'procedural difficulties,' it may take some states several weeks or even months to complete all system changes, and to distribute the reduced benefits.
As an important part of the US social security system, the 'Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program' covers 42 million people, about one eighth of the entire US population, with most recipients earning below the poverty line.