Part 11/13:
Challenges in Domestic Policy and International Emergencies
Amid these policy debates, the government faced ongoing crises. The current government shutdown, now in its 34th day, threatened to affect vital programs like SNAP, with potential benefits delayed for millions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessos indicated that benefits could resume by midweek, though reforms and stringent verification procedures are on the horizon.
At the same time, natural disasters in the Caribbean, especially Hurricane Melissa impacting Jamaica and Haiti, resulted in over 60 fatalities—highlighting the devastating human toll of extreme weather events.