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The shutdown affects numerous programs. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and telemedicine services are being halted. Veterans may experience delays in their benefits, and IRS refunds remain unprocessed. This underscores the tangible hardship faced by ordinary Americans due to political gridlock.
Political Blame Game
Washington remains deeply divided on the root cause. Republicans and Democrats blame each other, with Democrats asserting that Republicans, led by figures like Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, are blocking government funding over disputes related to healthcare for illegal immigrants. Conversely, Republicans argue that Democrats are attempting to include provisions for illegal aliens’ healthcare, which they oppose.