Senators left Washington Thursday after another week of failing to reopen the government—ensuring that the federal government shutdown will go on for at least 34 days—one day short of the record.
By the time senators get back on Monday, there will be a mere 18 days left on the funding extension that Democrats have continually rejected. It was originally meant to provide seven weeks for appropriators in both chambers to hammer out funding agreements.
And the worst is yet to come. On Nov. 1, per announcements from the United States Department of Agriculture, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be cut off, the first ever lapse of its kind for the food stamp program, which was formed in 1939.
Amid this partisan gridlock, it is unclear how Congress plans to get the government open. But once the government is open, it’s just as unclear how Congress will continue to fund the government for the fiscal year. The choices at Congress’ disposal are the continuing resolution and the appropriations process.
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