Government faces an impending shutdown as Democrats and Republicans are conflicted over Obamacare’s funding, even with the end of the fiscal year just two days away. Meanwhile, two earthquakes in southwest Pakistan kill more than 400, leaving Pakistani authorities and military personnel scrambling to rescue survivors.
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House Votes to Delay Healthcare Law, Bringing U.S. Government Closer to Shutdown
After a week of tense debate, Congress has once again stalled negotiations to prevent a government shutdown by voting to delay Obamacare’s implementation by a year.
In a 231-192 vote, the House moved for a one-year delay of Obama’s healthcare policies that would also repeal taxes on medical devices. Now the Senate must vote on the measure, though the largely Democrat upper house is expected to strike down the GOP-led proposal.
The standoff began on Sept 20 when the House passed a short-term spending plan that would have eliminated all funding for Obamacare. The Senate struck down the plan, spurring worries that the government could come to a halt beginning on Oct 1 when the fiscal year ends.
The Senate eventually voted on Friday to send the measure back to the House, encouraging the GOP to find a solution that would prevent government shutdown.
However, politicians and experts are pointing out that even if the government voted to defund Obamacare, many of the law’s provisions would actually continue as they have already been implemented. Current funding for many of these same provisions also comes from cuts to other existing government programs that will remain in place should government shut down.
If Republicans and Democrats cannot reach a consensus on Obamacare’s funding, the U.S. government will shut down for the first time since 1996. While essential government services will still be working, thousands of workers will be furloughed.
Earthquakes in Pakistan Claim More Than 400 Lives
Two earthquakes struck southwest Pakistan this week that killed more than 400 civilians. Tremors were felt as far away as Karachi, the Pakistani capital.
The first earthquake shook the region on Tuesday at a magnitude of 7.7, destroying roads and collapsing buildings. Over 400 died in the earthquake, which was also so powerful that it created a new 200ft island off the coast.
The second earthquake was classified as an aftershock that occurred days after the initial quake. With a recorded magnitude of 6.8, the earthquake claimed at least 15 lives and further devastated the region.
Thousands remain homeless as the Pakistani military leads relief and rescue operations. But poor roads and separatists are hampering relief efforts, stalling the region’s recovery.