Signs of resolution emerge as federal government shutdown stretches into sixth week 

WASHINGTON, D.C. {KTVZ} -- The federal government shutdown has now extended into its sixth week, but there are finally signs of a potential end to the standoff in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers are working toward a compromise amid growing concerns about impacts on travel, nutrition assistance, and health insurance subsidies. 

Senate passes compromise funding bill 

After weeks of gridlock, the United States Senate passed a compromise funding bill Sunday night with a 60-40 vote. The House Rules Committee convened tonight to discuss the package, which — if enacted — would extend government funding through January 30th. The bill includes a “minibus” comprised of three full-year appropriations bills, and it would fully fund SNAP benefits, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, through the end of next September. 

Before the legislation can make it to the House floor for a vote, it must first clear the Rules Committee — a necessary step on Capitol Hill. If the bill passes the House and receives the president’s signature, the government will reopen immediately, at least for the time being. 

Impact on SNAP benefits for Oregonians 

The shutdown’s effects are rippling through many areas, but SNAP benefits remain a top concern. November is usually a critical month for local food banks, but recent developments have created even more uncertainty. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, approximately 313,000 Oregon residents are predicted to have their SNAP benefits reduced or cut off altogether this month. 

The U.S. Supreme Court sided with the Trump Administration earlier today, allowing it to continue withholding fully-funded food stamp payments for now. This extension of a short-term order does not resolve the funding issue but gives Congress more time to pass a pending funding deal. 

President Trump stated, “Based on everything I'm hearing, they haven't changed anything, and we have support from enough Democrats and we're going to be opening up our country.” Meanwhile, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein voiced his frustration: “I'm immensely frustrated and frankly angry at the federal government. This administration has shut down SNAP benefits. People do not have their full benefits. People are not able to put food on their table to the degree that they need to keep children from being hungry”. 

Health insurance subsidy uncertainty 

Another major area of concern is the future of health insurance subsidies through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Eight Democratic senators joined Republicans in voting for the funding measure to reopen the government but did so without securing a guarantee for an extension of enhanced ACA subsidies, which help thousands of Oregonians afford insurance coverage. 

If the shutdown continues, enhanced tax credits provided under the ACA could lapse in the coming weeks, leading to higher health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. 

KTVZ reached out to local Oregon leaders representing Central Oregon including:   

Republicans: Sen. Christine Drazan, Sen. Mike McLane, Sen. Todd Nash, Rep. Cliff Bentz, Rep. Eric Werner Reschke, Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson  

Democrats: Rep. Jason Kropf, Rep. Emerson Levy and Rep. Janelle Bynum, for comments on the shutdown but did not receive responses by the publication deadline.

However, Senator Anthony Broadman provided an exclusive statement: “The Trump administration and this Congress are making everything more expensive for Central Oregonians, including, now, health insurance.... The more we let this administration give tax breaks to billionaires, the more healthcare becomes a luxury item for working Oregonians”. 

Possible next steps and lingering uncertainty 

If the House votes in favor of the Senate-passed bill and the President signs it, the shutdown will end — at least temporarily. However, another funding deadline looms in January, and uncertainty remains about the future of healthcare subsidies. 

The ripple effects of the shutdown continue to impact Oregonians, with the potential for lasting consequences in the days ahead.