Government Shutdown Enters 10th Day: Democrats Face Growing Pressure Amid $8 Billion Energy Project Cuts

Pressure on Democrats Grows to End Shutdown as Gaza City Receives Evacuation Orders The federal government shutdown entered its 10th day on October 2, with the White House budget director, Russ Vought, announcing the cancellation of $8 billion in energy projects across 16 states considered blue. This move marks the latest funding cut by the Trump administration since the shutdown began. Vice President Mike Pence warned that federal workforce layoffs will occur if the shutdown continues, adding to the pressure on Democrats to reach a deal with Republicans to end the impasse. "We're not going to let the government shut down indefinitely," Pence said in a statement. "The American people expect us to get our work done." The cancellation of energy projects is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to cut funding for programs and services deemed non-essential during the shutdown. The move has sparked criticism from Democrats, who argue that it will have long-term consequences for the economy and public health. In related news, Gaza City received evacuation orders on October 2 as tensions between Israel and Hamas escalated. The Israeli military said it was preparing for a potential ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, with thousands of troops massing along the border. The shutdown has already had significant impacts on government services, including the closure of national parks, museums, and monuments. The National Arboretum in Washington D.C. was among those affected, with visitors turned away from its gates due to lack of funding. As the standoff between Democrats and Republicans continues, experts warn that the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the economic and social costs will be. "The government shutdown is not just a political issue; it's also an economic one," said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics. "Every day that passes without a deal will only make things worse." In the meantime, lawmakers are working to find a solution to end the shutdown. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has proposed a short-term funding bill, but Democrats have expressed concerns about its provisions. As the situation remains fluid, one thing is clear: the pressure on Democrats to reach a deal with Republicans will only continue to grow unless a resolution is reached soon. *Reporting by Npr.*