Shutdown Talks Gain Urgency as Deadlines, Union Pressure Mount

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, both parties are feeling the heat from looming deadlines, public frustration, and warnings about food aid being cut off. Federal workers union leaders, food assistance advocates, and millions of voters are urging Congress to break the impasse and reopen the government. Both sides are considering temporary stopgaps, with Republican leaders hoping to win over centrist Democrats for a short-term deal. However, not all Democrats are ready to fold, and progressive voices are backing stand-alone bills to soften the shutdown's impact. Meanwhile, union leaders are demanding a clean stopgap bill to keep paychecks and services flowing, and Senator Josh Hawley is rallying lawmakers to protect food assistance for millions of Americans. With food aid set to run out and federal workers missing pay, these proposals could finally provide some rare bipartisan agreement in a bitter political fight. The Daily News Now! - Every city. Every story. AI Powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.