US Government faces shutdown next week

The federal government faces a shutdown next week if Republicans and Democrats in Congress cannot agree on a spending plan. Moody’s has reaffirmed America’s credit rating to “negative” due to concerns about the nation’s worsening fiscal position and political polarization.

The change, which falls short of a downgrade to the highest AAA level, highlights the threat posed by rising interest rates, a mounting debt burden, and a polarized Congress that has been unable to agree on ways to reduce America’s budget deficit.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts that more people will pass through airport security checkpoints over Thanksgiving, with a record 55.4 million people expected to travel. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that November 22 will be the busiest day on the roads, with 49.1 million people driving for the holiday.

Air travel has not been more chaotic this year, with 75.6% of flights arriving on time between January and August. The national average for gas prices is currently $3.36, compared to last year’s Thanksgiving travel period.