Live updates: Pelosi will not seek reelection; FAA cuts flights amid shutdown

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced on Thursday that she will not seek reelection after serving for nearly four decades in the lower chamber. 

Meanwhile, the government shutdown hit a new record of 37 days as millions of Americans are poised to feel the heat after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it would reduce flights amid the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers.

The Trump administration will reduce flight capacity by 10 percent at 40 “high-traffic” airports on Friday if Capitol Hill fails to reopen the federal government. The FAA will announce affected airports Thursday.

Senate Democrats, after Tuesday’s election sweep, are experiencing a boost of optimism as they navigate funding negotiations to end the shutdown. Still, there are divisions within the caucus as to how to do just that.

Meanwhile, Republicans are sounding the alarm and taking stock after Democrats’ big election wins. Some in the GOP are beginning to fear the party is failing to grasp Americans’ discontent with President Trump and his administration as they look to hold the majority in the House and Senate next year.

In Washington, Trump will gather with leaders from five Central Asian countries at the White House. He will also make an announcement at 11 a.m. EST.