Washington, D.C. — The federal government shutdown stretched into its 28th day Tuesday, as Senate Democrats once again blocked a Republican stopgap funding bill, digging in on demands that President Donald Trump personally join negotiations. Vice President JD Vance met privately with GOP senators in an effort to unify messaging, but Democrats signaled the impasse will persist without direct White House involvement.
Air Travel Strains as Controllers Miss First Paycheck
The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged rising staffing shortages and mounting delays across major hubs. Air traffic controllers received their first $0 paycheck since the shutdown began—fueling operational slowdowns during peak travel hours.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford thanked employees for “doing the jobs they are paid to do” despite not being paid, warning of increased delays but vowing that safety standards would not be compromised even if operations slow to a crawl.
Short staffing was reported throughout the evening in Dallas, Phoenix, Newark, Atlanta, and Denver facilities. Since the shutdown began, 280 staffing-related issues have been logged—more than four times the number reported during the same period last year.
States Sue to Halt Food Assistance Cuts
Meanwhile, 25 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., filed suit against the Trump administration to block upcoming cuts to federal food aid programs. Millions of Americans on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could lose benefits within days if emergency funds are not activated.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of “weaponizing hunger,” while GOP leaders argued Democrats voted against a bill that would have unlocked temporary funding.
Senate Democrats are drafting a separate measure to extend SNAP and WIC benefits, though its path forward is uncertain.
White House Rejects Calls to Tap Emergency Food Fund
Despite bipartisan pressure, Vice President Vance signaled limited willingness to use a $5 billion contingency pool to cover November benefits—funds previous administrations have accessed during shutdowns.
“We’re trying to keep as much open as possible,” Vance said, arguing the pot is finite and multiple programs compete for support. He emphasized the administration’s priority is to ensure military pay continues.
Federal Layoffs Temporarily Blocked
In San Francisco, a federal judge halted the administration’s attempt to lay off thousands of workers during the shutdown, calling early evidence “politically motivated.” More than 4,100 layoff notices have been issued, some to furloughed employees unable to access work email.
Labor unions alleged the actions were designed to pressure Congress; government lawyers claimed courts lacked authority to intervene.
Senate GOP Confronts White House Over Beef Imports
During a closed-door meeting, Republican senators pushed back on a surprise proposal to increase beef imports from Argentina—an attempt to cool rising consumer prices. Senators from agricultural states warned the move could devastate ranchers already struggling with inflation and drought-related feed costs.
Sen. Ted Cruz called it “the single most discussed topic” at the lunch.
Tariff Battles and Geopolitical Tensions
Later Tuesday, Senate Democrats forced a vote to rescind tariffs Trump imposed on Brazil—penalties widely viewed as retaliation for the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. GOP Senator Rand Paul sided with Democrats, arguing the tariff exceeded presidential authority.
Vance defended the broader tariff strategy, insisting it gives Washington negotiating leverage and protects American labor.
Trump’s Asia Trip and Corporate Funding Spotlight
As travel delays deepen at home, President Trump continued his Asia swing, signing a rare-earth mineral framework deal with Japan’s new conservative prime minister. Trump next travels to South Korea for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Separately, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang publicly praised corporate donations funding Trump’s proposed 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom. Major donors include Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Google, Comcast, and Meta. The White House says the estimated $300 million project will cost taxpayers nothing.
Democrats Reject “Old Norms” Argument
Sen. Ruben Gallego defended Democrats’ refusal to compromise, arguing Trump has broken tradition and forced the opposition to play hardball.
“What’s on the line is 24 million people seeing premiums double,” Gallego warned, dismissing talk about Trump entertaining a third-term run as “unconstitutional.”
Federal Employees Receive Charity Meals
In a scene reminiscent of the 2018 shutdown, nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen began distributing meals to unpaid federal employees—an image Democratic Senator John Fetterman called “absurd.”
“Pay these people. Open things up,” Fetterman said, though he acknowledged Democrats bear responsibility for holding firm on Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Shutdown Outlook Unclear
The House GOP funding bill failed for the 13th time Tuesday, and Democrats remain united around subsidy extensions for middle-class families purchasing health insurance.
Major consequences are now days away:
Federal food aid for millions expires
Airport delays worsening
Federal layoffs on hold but looming
State budgets straining to fill gaps
As political pressure intensifies, neither party is signaling imminent compromise—and the public impact grows by the hour.