Trump, Congress dig in as record shutdown grinds on

Trump, Congress dig in as record shutdown grinds on

Washington remains paralyzed as the government shutdown drags into its third week — now tied for the second-longest in U.S. history — with neither party showing signs of blinking. President Donald Trump, touting his dealmaking skills, appears disengaged, while Democrats and Republicans trade blame on cable news and social media.

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or fired, and key agencies, including those overseeing the nation’s nuclear stockpile, are operating on skeleton crews. Air travel disruptions are growing as air traffic controllers call in sick, and nutrition programs supporting 42 million Americans risk expiring next month.

Democrats are framing the crisis as a fight to preserve enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, accusing Republicans of “holding health care hostage.” But GOP leaders, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, insist Democrats caused the impasse by refusing to reopen the government before negotiations.

Trump is expected to meet Republican senators Tuesday at the White House in a display of unity, even as cracks show within his ranks. Some Republicans worry the standoff will backfire if Americans face steep Obamacare premium hikes. Democrats, meanwhile, are buoyed by massive anti-Trump protests and believe the political pain will ultimately fall on the president.

With the shutdown’s economic and political toll mounting, both parties remain entrenched in a familiar Washington blame game — and no one seems ready to make the first move toward reopening the government.

Key Takeaways:

• Government shutdown enters its third week with no deal in sight.

• Democrats demand ACA subsidy extensions; Republicans refuse talks until government reopens.

• Trump plans GOP unity lunch as political and economic fallout deepens.

Source: [CNN]