As the US government shutdown enters its second week, Republican leaders are warning that the impact on Americans will intensify. The ongoing stalemate has left most federal operations closed, with no immediate resolution in sight.
The White House has indicated that plans to permanently fire thousands of federal employees are being finalized. President Donald Trump stated that dismissals have already begun, placing blame squarely on Democrats for refusing to support a budget resolution without continued healthcare subsidies.
Democrats are holding their ground, demanding negotiations over expiring Obamacare subsidies. They argue that without an extension, millions of Americans will face significantly higher healthcare costs. Senate Republicans acknowledge the current “stalemate” but say some behind-the-scenes discussions are taking place.
A recent poll indicates that both congressional Republicans and Democrats receive low public support for their handling of the crisis, with a majority of Americans expressing concern over the shutdown’s economic impact.
The last government shutdown under the Trump administration lasted 35 days and was estimated to have cost the US economy $11 billion.
