The United States government shutdown entered its 35th day on Tuesday, equalling the record set during President Donald Trump’s first term for the longest in the nation’s history, as Republicans and Democrats continued to blame each other for the standoff.
The prolonged shutdown has brought widespread hardship across the country from halted food assistance to unpaid federal workers and mounting economic costs. Programmes serving millions of Americans, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP), have run out of funds, leaving many families without critical support.
The Senate has rejected more than a dozen attempts to pass a House-approved stopgap funding bill. Republicans, who hold a 53–47 majority, require the support of at least seven Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance most legislation. Democrats have withheld support, insisting on an extension of certain healthcare subsidies before approving funding.
“The victims of the Democrats’ shutdown are starting to pile up,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, accusing the opposition of prolonging the crisis.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, however, countered that Trump’s attention appeared misplaced. “While Donald Trump is bragging about remodelling bathrooms at the White House, Americans are panicking about how they will afford healthcare next year,” he said.
The current stalemate the 15th government shutdown since 1981 has defied historical patterns, with little momentum toward a resolution. The House of Representatives has been out of session since September 19, while President Trump has frequently left Washington.
Rachel Snyderman, Managing Director of Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Centre, described the political divide as “as wide as it was on day one,” despite ongoing bipartisan talks.
With federal funding halted, 42 million Americans relying on food stamps have lost assistance averaging $180 per month. Early learning centres under the Head Start programme have also closed in parts of the country due to a lack of new funding.
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Millions of federal workers including law enforcement officers, military personnel, and airport security staff bhave missed paychecks, leading to staffing shortages and travel disruptions. Airline associations estimate more than 3.2 million passengers have faced delays or cancellations since the shutdown began.
The Congressional Budget Office warned the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $11 billion if it continues another week. Analysts also noted that the lack of official government data is hindering the Federal Reserve’s ability to make informed policy decisions.
President Trump has maintained a defiant stance, focusing publicly on foreign affairs but calling privately for Republicans to abolish the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule to break the deadlock.
Asked by CBS 60 Minutes whether he could strike a deal, Trump said: “I’m not gonna do it by being extorted by the Democrats who have lost their way.”
Recent Reuters/Ipsos polling indicates that Americans are divided in assigning blame: 50% fault Republicans, while 43% blame Democrats for the ongoing standoff.
While three moderate Democratic senators have joined Republicans in voting to reopen the government, others argue that standing firm is necessary to protect congressional authority over federal spending.
“The trust deficit has been there for a long time because of how Trump’s acted,” said Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey. “The challenge we face now is: any deal we get how do we know that a deal is going to be a deal?”
As the shutdown drags on, families, businesses, and federal institutions continue to bear the brunt of the crisis. Economists warn that prolonged inaction could deepen uncertainty, slow consumer spending, and shake investor confidence.
