The government shutdown entered another week with about 750,000 federal employees still furloughed and no sign of movement from either side of Congress. Lawmakers remain divided over how to reopen the government, with Democrats pushing for an extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and House Republicans refusing to return to Washington.
Several looming deadlines could force Congress to resolve the stalemate. Open enrollment for ACA plans begins on November 1, with many Americans expected to see higher premiums. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may begin running out in the coming days, and air traffic controllers and military personnel are set to miss another paycheck this week.
The Senate will vote this week on the nominations of Rebecca L. Taibleson for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, Bill Lewis for the Middle District of Alabama, Jordan Emery Pratt for the Middle District of Florida, and Edmund G. LaCour Jr. for the Northern District of Alabama. Lawmakers are also expected to take up three resolutions to end national emergencies underpinning tariffs on Canada (S.J. Res. 77), Brazil (S.J. Res. 81), and globally (S.J. Res. 88).
President Trump is traveling in Asia after signing trade agreements over the weekend with Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. He is expected to meet later this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in South Korea. U.S. and Chinese trade officials have indicated alignment on a preliminary trade agreement on export controls, fentanyl, and shipping duties.
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