Federal workers protest outside the U.S. Capitol as the government shutdown stretches into its 36th day, marking the longest in American history [Image by Bipartisan Policy Center]
The shutdown kicked off on October 1, after Congress failed to agree on a funding deal; millions of Americans are now feeling the fallout, from unpaid federal workers and suspended food aid to increasing travel disruptions.
President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats until they agree to reopen the government. Democrats insist the administration must first restore Affordable Care Act health subsidies, which expired last month.
A Crisis with Modern Roots
Shutdowns did not become a repetitive political tool until 1980, after a ruling by the Justice Department barred agencies from continuing to operate without congressional authorization. Since then, 15 government shutdowns have plagued the U.S.; none as long, or destructive, as this one.
“This has been the most severe shutdown on record,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune. “Shutdowns are stupid. Nobody wins.”
Trump plans to meet Republican senators for breakfast on Wednesday, but has not scheduled talks with Democrats. “We’re in this mess because our colleagues refuse to discuss one simple thing, health care premiums,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar in a Tuesday night speech.
A bipartisan group, led by Sen. Susan Collins, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, continues to search for compromise. “The pace of the talks has picked up,” Sen. Gary Peters said after joining the discussions. “We’re trying to find a way forward before the damage gets worse.”
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have lost two paychecks so far. Essential personnel, including TSA officers and air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that flight operations could collapse if the shutdown continues another week. “We could see mass delays, cancellations, even closed airspace,” Duffy said Tuesday.
Families who rely on government assistance are hurting, too. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that serves approximately one in eight Americans, is only partially funded this month. Trump said initially that no SNAP funds would be provided, but later relented to abide by a federal court order for limited payments.
Subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, that keep premiums affordable for low- and middle-income families form the heart of the political fight. Democrats want to extend them immediately. Republicans demand broader health care reforms first.
“Millions are opening their premium notices and realizing they can’t afford insurance,” Sen. Chris Coons said. “This isn’t about politics, it’s about people’s lives.”
A Nation Waiting for Leadership
Thune has offered Democrats a future vote on their preferred health care plan after the government reopens, but Democrats remain skeptical. They fear Trump might backtrack once the immediate crisis ends.
US financial markets showed a sharp reaction to this deepening gridlock. The S&P 500 dropped 1.17%, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 2.04% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.53% on Tuesday. Technology and semiconductor stocks led the declines.
“The market’s starting to price in Washington’s dysfunction,” said Chuck Carlson, chief executive of Horizon Investment Services. “Investors know political chaos carries a real economic cost.”
Thune suggested a possible “off-ramp” might be in view, but warned that without progress by week’s end, reopening before Thanksgiving may be impossible.
“If we don’t start seeing movement soon,” Thune said, “the damage will only deepen.” As paychecks stop, air travel weakens, and families struggle to buy food, frustration among the public grows. “People are losing faith in their government,” said Klobuchar. “Every extra day this drags on, that trust slips away.”
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