The air is turning blue over the Capitol Dome. And the government is more shut than ever.
Washington woke Thursday to a whiff of rare hope that behind-the-scenes efforts were accelerating in the Senate to end a federal shutdown now imposing severe pain on millions of Americans.
But the day ended with senators skipping town for the weekend — to join members of the House not seen inside the Beltway for so long it’s hard to remember what they look like.
What’s so galling is that both Republicans and Democrats insist they are keeping faith with their duties — taking care of the American people — but that the other side is willing to drive ordinary citizens to the brink of hunger or sickness.
Senate Democrats triggered the shutdown, refusing to extend federal funding until Republicans agree to extend expiring enhanced Obamacare subsidies, without which millions of citizens will see the cost of health care rocket.
Republicans are willing to talk — but only when the government is opened again. Their assurances aren’t being taken at face value since their president routinely ignores the terms of deals and Congress’ constitutionally sound decisions on how to spend taxpayer money.
A store displays a sign accepting Electronic Benefits Transfer cards for Supplemental Nutrition As
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