Government Shutdown Day 21 Updates from National Council of Nonprofits

In a sign of progress, Republican leaders are now preparing for negotiations with Democrats to reopen the government. Reports suggest that congressional leaders are discussing options with the White House over how to structure an extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expire this year and which Democrats have made their top priority in negotiations. Republicans are also discussing internally changes they may want to advocate for in exchange for extending the tax credits, including imposing an income limit for beneficiaries, requiring individuals to pay a minimum out-of-pocket premium, or cutting off new enrollment in the program, among other ideas. 

 

According to reports, Republicans may offer to attach a two-year extension of the tax credits - alongside policy changes - to a larger package of bipartisan, full-year spending bills or another continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open. Senate Leader Thune (R-SD) suggested that Republicans are talking internally about whether to propose a longer-term CR to keep the government open through December, spring 2026, or for the full fiscal year. A full-year CR provides level funding for federal programs, but fails to keep up with rising costs and inflation.

 

Regional SNAP directors received a warning from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, directing states to delay depositing November's SNAP benefits on EBT cards, which people can use like a debit card to pay for food at farmers’ markets and most grocery stores. Officials in Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia issued similar warnings, saying that SNAP funds could run out in a matter of days. 

 

The disruption of funds could leave more than 40 million low-income people, about 1 in 8 people in the U.S., without the food assistance they need, including about 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and 4 million people with disabilities. 

 

Advocates are urging the White House to release SNAP's contingency fund and give states guidance on the amount of SNAP benefits they should issue in November, as SNAP law requires, to ensure that families can put food on the table next month.

 

The only way to end the government shutdown is for Congress and the White House to reach a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government and allow nonprofits to continue their essential work. 

 

You can take action:

• Share Your Story  Use NCN's storytelling tool to share real examples of how the government shutdown is harming nonprofits and their communities. Sharing these stories is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard.
• Contact Your Members of Congress. Use NCN's email template to send a message directly to your Senators and Representatives, urging them to work across the aisle to reopen the government.