Update on What’s Happening in Government
November 4, 2025
by James Romano
The United States has been in a government shutdown for almost one month. Because of this, many people are starting to feel the effects.
What’s Happening with Federal Workers
About 670,000 government workers were sent home and are not being paid.
About 730,000 other workers still have to work, but also are not getting paid during the shutdown.
The government planned to lay off 10,000 workers, but a judge stopped this for now.
What’s Going On in Congress
The House of Representatives has not met since late September.
The Speaker of the House says the House will not return until the shutdown ends.
Congressional staff may not receive paychecks as of October 31.
A newly elected Congresswoman from Arizona cannot be sworn in yet because the shutdown is still happening.
The good news: Congressional offices are still meeting with advocates, including those in the bleeding disorders community.
SNAP (Food Assistance) Update
Starting November 1, the government will run out of money for SNAP, which helps families buy food.
42 million Americans may lose these food benefits.
No emergency money will be given to states to help.
Starting in November 2025, many SNAP users will need to meet new work rules to keep benefits.
More future cuts to SNAP are planned.
Why the Government Is Still Shut Down
The main issue is the tax credits that help people pay for Marketplace/Obamacare health insurance.
Most lawmakers agree these tax credits should continue.
But both sides disagree on what to do first:
One side wants to open the government first, then talk about the tax credits.
The other side wants to agree on the tax credits first, then open the government.
Because no one is compromising, the shutdown continues.
The 2026 budget will likely not be finished until early 2026.
What Could Change Soon
The November 4, 2025 elections may push one side to compromise and end the shutdown. Voters will choose:
Governors in New Jersey and Virginia
Mayor of New York City
State and local leaders across the country
The results may provide pressure to reopen the government.
What The Coalition for Hemophilia B Is Doing Right Now
Even during the shutdown, CHB is still working hard for our community:
Our Main Focus
We are working with the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) to bring back a special federal advisory committee that protects the safety of blood and blood products.
We are reminding lawmakers of the tragic history of blood contamination in the 1980s–1990s, to make sure it never happens again.
What Happens After the Shutdown
Once the government reopens, Congress must discuss the budget for 2026, including funding for:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
(All support bleeding disorder programs.)
We are encouraged that Congress says they do not plan to cut major health programs that affect our community.
CHB’s Promise
The Coalition for Hemophilia B will continue to speak up, work with partners, and support laws that protect and improve the lives of people with Hemophilia B.