Hill Update
The Senate is back in town, and it will vote this evening for the 11th time on a continuing resolution (CR) to reopen and fund the government through November 21. The Senate will also vote this week on the "Shutdown Fairness Act," which if enacted, would ensure timely paychecks for federal employees who are required to work during the shutdown. Senate Democrats are expected to block both bills. Democrats continue to withhold their support for reopening the government until Congress and the White House agree to extend the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits that expire this year.
Impacts
Health insurance prices for next year under the Affordable Care Act are now available in about a dozen states, including California, New York, Nevada, Maryland, and Idaho. Many Americans can now see how much their healthcare costs will increase, if Congress does not extend the tax credits.
Democratic-led congressional districts account for 97% of $28 billion in federal funding for infrastructure projects that the Trump administration has frozen or canceled during the shutdown:
87 Democratic districts have lost $27.24 billion for projects.
14 Republican districts have lost $738.7 million.
The administration has put on hold roughly $18 billion to fund a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey and an extension of the city’s Second Avenue subway.
It canceled $7.6 billion in grants that supported hundreds of clean energy projects in 16 states.
The U.S. Travel Association said the travel economy is expected to lose $1 billion a week as travelers change plans because national parks and historic sites are closed to visitors.
The FAA has reported air controller shortages from airports in Boston and Philadelphia, to control centers in Atlanta and Houston. Flight delays have spread to airports in Nashville, Tennessee, Dallas, Newark, New Jersey and more.
According to a survey, 20% of small businesses that rely on government contracts have been forced to pull back on spending to make payroll, including hiring, supplies and services. They warn that customer demand could drop amid economic uncertainty and instability.
Upcoming Dates
Today, October 20 - Senate staff miss their paychecks (don't worry - Senators will still be paid on time!);
October 24 - Many federal workers will miss their paychecks for work done this month;
October 31 - Military members will miss their next paycheck (although the Administration has shifted funds to make their October 15 paychecks); and
November 1 - The Administration says they have shifted money to keep WIC and SNAP funded, but there may still be a disruption of services.
Take Action
The only way to end the government shutdown is for Congress and the White House to reach a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and allow nonprofits to continue their essential work.
You can take action:
Share Your Story Use NCN's storytelling tool to share real examples of how the government shutdown is harming nonprofits and their communities. Sharing these stories is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard.
Contact Your Members of Congress. Use NCN's email template to send a message directly to your Senators and Representatives, urging them to work across the aisle to reopen the government.