As the U.S. shutdown enters its sixth week, the Senate rejects a pay bill for federal workers while USDA funds only 65 percent of November SNAP benefits. With the economy losing billions, states are stepping in to keep food aid and essential services afloat.
Senate rejects bill to restore pay as economic losses mount; states move to avert a wider hunger crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government shutdown has entered its sixth week, leaving more than a million federal employees without pay and placing essential programs under mounting strain. On Friday, the Senate rejected a measure to temporarily restore federal worker pay, deepening uncertainty for families who have now missed two consecutive paychecks.
The measure failed on a 53-43 vote, falling short of the 60 votes required to advance. Economists, citing the Congressional Budget Office, estimate the shutdown has already caused between $7 billion and $14 billion in permanent economic losses because of halted projects, delayed contracts, and weaker consumer spending.
SNAP benefits partly restored
The effects of the shutdown extend beyond unpaid workers to the 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Following a court order and growing public pressure, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will fund about 65 percent of November SNAP benefits using contingency reserves up from the 50 percent initially guaranteed.
The partial restoration followed lawsuits filed by 24 states and the District of Columbia, which challenged the agency’s plan to suspend payments starting November 1. A federal judge in Boston directed the USDA to tap emergency funds to prevent a cutoff. Even with the increase, millions of households will still receive less than their full monthly allotment.
Several states have stepped in to cover the shortfall. Maryland
Officials warned that if the shutdown continues beyond mid-November, contingency reserves may again run out, threatening another interruption in food assistance.
Federal workers face growing hardship
Across the country, unpaid federal employees are turning to food banks and short-term credit to cover basic expenses. Community pantries in the Washington metropolitan region report record demand, while credit unions have launched low-interest loan programs to help workers pay rent and utilities.
Agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and Customs and Border Protection remain operational but short-staffed, as many employees continue to work without pay. Air-traffic controllers have reported pay statements showing “$0” net pay, a stark reminder of the shutdown’s human toll.
The financial strain has also reached small businesses dependent on federal contracts, including maintenance, construction, and supply firms. Some have reduced staff or delayed payrolls as government payments remain frozen. Analysts caution that even a swift reopening will not fully offset the economic losses or project delays already incurred.
Senate gridlock continues
The House of Representatives earlier approved a short-term clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through mid-November, but the Senate has repeatedly failed to advance it amid disputes over whether to reopen first or combine funding with broader policy provisions. The White House has said the President would sign a clean CR if Congress sends it to his desk.
