"Tomorrow, things are going to get a lot worse for many Americans in the midst of this shutdown. SNAP food benefits will run out for about 42 million people. A MARTINEZ, HOST: Saturday's also when open enrollment begins on federal insurance exchanges, and premiums are expected to more than double on average. Democrats want to extend health care subsidies to keep those costs down."
"But Thursday, major airlines asked Congress to pass Republicans' stopgap funding plan. Here's United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) SCOTT KIRBY: It's been 30 days and - well, I don't have a position on which partisan side and how things should be settled with health care. It has been 30 days. I also think it is time to pass a clean CR. MARTINEZ: The largest union for federal employees already made a similar call."
Federal food benefits and other programs face immediate disruption as the shutdown continues. SNAP benefits are projected to run out for about 42 million people, and open enrollment on federal insurance exchanges begins with premiums expected to more than double on average. Democrats seek to extend health-care subsidies to limit premium increases. Major airlines asked Congress to pass a Republican stopgap funding plan, and industry leaders urged passage of a clean continuing resolution. The largest federal-employee union also called for action. Lawmakers on both sides express concern, but negotiations remain stalled and political divisions persist.
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