US govt. shutdown becomes longest in history as Senate deadlock persists
The US government shutdown has entered its 36th day, setting a new record as the longest in the nation’s history, with no breakthrough in sight after Senate failed for the 14th time to advance a funding bill.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, entered the 36th day on Wednesday, surpassing the 35-day lapse that ended in early 2019 during US President Donald Trump’s first term.
The latest funding impasse is rooted in a dispute over extending Affordable Care Act tax credits that lower the cost of health insurance, a measure Democrats say is essential, but which Republicans excluded from their proposal.
Back in September, the Republican-controlled House passed its version of a funding bill with minimal Democratic support, with Speaker Mike Johnson keeping the chamber out of session ever since, leaving Senate to take the lead on negotiations.
Despite repeated failures to move legislation forward, Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled that legislators from both parties are eager to end the standoff, noting that “there are people who realize this has gone on long enough” and “it's time to end it.”
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has already estimated that the shutdown could cost the US economy up to $14 billion in lost GDP if it continues much longer.
Since early October, nearly 700,000 federal workers remain furloughed, while another 700,000 are working without pay as the funding lapse drags on.
Trump, who has largely stayed on the sidelines, recently called for Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster to push the funding bill through, a move Thune dismissed.
Meanwhile, food banks nationwide report rising demand from unpaid workers, and the Department of Agriculture has warned that funding for food stamps is running out.
Both parties continue to trade blame, with Republicans accusing Democrats of obstruction and Democrats insisting that the GOP, which controls both chambers, must compromise to protect health care affordability and restore government operations.
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