Federal funding to programs that millions rely on, from early education to food and utility bill aid have shut down, leaving families scrambling for help.

Why it matters: As the shutdown marks its fourth consecutive week with no end in sight, the pain of federal closures is spreading far past government employees.

Driving the news: The double whammy of federal dollars drying up and looming monthly bills is set to deliver a punishing hit to Americans' pocketbooks on Nov. 1. • The anticipated blow to the nation's safety net comes after the Trump administration slashed benefits and targeted key programs in revamps through the president's marquee spending bill.

What they're saying: "Every day is getting decidedly harder for small businesses and hard working Americans across the country,"

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