U.S. Government Shutdown Ties Historic 35-Day Record

Shutdown Reaches Unprecedented Milestone

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has now reached a critical point, tying the record for the longest in history at 35 days as of Nov 4. This lapse in federal funding, which began on October 1, has disrupted countless services and left millions of Americans in uncertainty. The duration now matches the longest prior shutdown, matching the 2018-2019 closure that lasted from December 22 to January 25.

Federal workers remain furloughed, essential services like air traffic control are strained, and programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face imminent funding shortages. The USDA has warned that approximately 42 million Americans could lose food assistance if the shutdown persists into November, with a reported several billion shortfall for November benefits alone. This crisis underscores the urgent need for Senate Democrats to stop blocking a clean continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government.

Congressional Stalemate and Proposed Solutions

In response to the prolonged deadlock, Republican lawmakers are adjusting their strategy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota told reporters on Nov 3 that a new, longer continuing resolution (CR) is necessary, as the current one is set to expire on Nov 21. This short timeframe leaves little room for the comprehensive negotiations over long-term funding that were initially planned.

Republican senators have expressed varied opinions on the duration of a potential new CR and whether it is even required. Despite multiple failed votes—13 attempts by Senate Republicans to pass spending legislation have been blocked—the urgency to reopen the government grows. The stalemate continues to impact federal operations and public welfare, with no immediate end in sight.

Economic and Social Impacts Deepen

The economic toll of this shutdown is already significant, with historical data from the Congressional Budget Office estimating that the 2018-2019 shutdown cost the economy about $3 billion, or 0.02% of GDP. While current figures are not yet finalized, the prolonged nature of this closure suggests similar or greater losses. Beyond economics, with air traffic controllers stretched thin, Senate Democrats are putting American lives at risk.