government shutdown

The Senate appears close to passing a deal to reopen the government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history. But with Democrats split and the House divided, another funding fight could come as soon as January.

The government has been shut down since October 1. There hasn’t been much progress among lawmakers to solve it, though that may change now that President Donald Trump has said Republicans are suffering politically.

As the federal government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits are set to lapse, Long Island food banks prepare for a surge in demand heading into the holiday season.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for about 400,000 Connecticut residents are in jeopardy due to federal budget cuts and the federal government shutdown, according to state officials.

On day 14 of the federal government shutdown, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) says Congress remains far from reaching an agreement to reopen it.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) is pushing a bill she introduced with U.S. Senator Patty Murray of Washington three weeks ago as a possible framework for negotiations to end the federal government shutdown.

Connecticut has dipped into its reserves to ensure that the federal government shutdown does not affect residents who receive WIC, the federally funded supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.

Governor Ned Lamont said Connecticut will continue federally funded food assistance programs for state residents during the government shutdown.

Congressional Democrats are holding firm on their demand that federal health care subsidies be restored in any deal to end the government shutdown, according to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT).

The government will shut down on Tuesday at midnight if Congress doesn’t pass a short-term budget bill.