Week of Oct. 12, 2025

This is "Arkies in the Beltway" for the week of Oct. 12, 2025! I'm Alex Thomas, Washington Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, with your weekly look at national politics and the Arkansans influencing the discussions. The federal government shutdown continues, keeping much of Capitol Hill at a standstill. Democrats have pushed back against a short-term spending measure from their Republican colleagues, arguing Congress must address premium tax credits for health insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. A 2021 enhancement affecting the size and eligibility criteria of these subsidies will expire at year's end without congressional action. STORY: Government shutdown spotlights health insurance subsidies, next month’s open enrollment While some government programs have continued during the shutdown with minimal interruptions, state agencies may not have enough funding for nutrition assistance services if the shutdown extends past October. The nation's top nutrition programs — SNAP and WIC — are supported through the annual appropriations process. As the Senate and House of Representatives have not passed any sort of spending measure, the federal Department of Agriculture has already warned that these programs' operations are "subject to the availability of funding." STORY: Arkansas agencies warn that food programs facing new risk Thank you for listening to "Arkies in the Beltway!" You can stay up to date with all Arkansas news at ArkansasOnline.com, or follow me on Bluesky for more developments from the nation's capital!