The US government shutdown has once again surpassed a record number of days. On Tuesday (4 November), the 35th day of the longest shutdown in the country’s history was completed. During President Donald Trump’s first term, the government had remained shut for exactly 35 days as well, according to a report by the British news agency Reuters.
Its effects are intensifying by the day. Food assistance for the poor has been halted; federal employees—from airport staff to the military—are not receiving salaries; and with the flow of official economic data suspended, the economy is effectively operating blindly.
The situation worsens day by day due to the shutdown. Poor Americans are either receiving reduced food assistance or none at all. Meanwhile, employees across various levels of government—from airport workers to law enforcement agencies, even members of the military—are working without pay. Many short-term contract workers at government offices, after not receiving their wages, have already begun looking for alternative jobs. As a result, various government functions are being severely disrupted—for example, the civil aviation authority has been forced to reduce the number of flights.
The US Senate has voted more than a dozen times against the interim budget bill passed by the House of Representatives. Although Republicans hold a majority in the Senate with 53 members, at least seven Democrats’ support is necessary to pass most bills.
Democrats have refused to vote for the proposed budget, which includes a condition to reduce health insurance subsidies.
Senate Republican leader John Thune accused Democrats of prolonging the shutdown even as the number of affected people continues to rise. “The question is—how long will they continue like this? One, two, or three months?” he asked.
On the other hand, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer commented that while President Trump is boasting about renovating the White House bathroom, ordinary Americans are deeply worried about their healthcare for the coming year.
Meanwhile, several senators—speaking on condition of anonymity—have indicated that there may be slight progress in secret negotiations between the two parties.
This is the 15th shutdown in the United States since 1981. However, its duration and overall character differ from previous incidents. Usually, shutdowns have been triggered by Republican actions. This time, due to pressure from Democrats, the House of Representatives has been effectively closed since 19 September.
