Historic US Government Shutdown Breaks New Records

The US government shutdown entered its 36th day yesterday, setting a new record as the longest shutdown in American history. The previous record was 35 days. This political standoff between Democrats and Republicans over the federal budget is now disrupting millions of American lives in ways that go far beyond Washington politics.

The shutdown started because Congress couldn't agree on a budget for the new fiscal year that began October 1st. Here's what's happening on the ground: government programs are being cut back, flight delays are mounting, and most federal employees across the country aren't getting paid.

President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats about their demands to restore expired health insurance subsidies unless they agree to reopen the government first. This creates a classic political deadlock where neither side wants to blink first.

The economic impact keeps growing each day. Federal workers are missing their second paycheck, and many are turning to food banks or taking temporary jobs. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are calling in sick at higher rates, causing airport delays. National parks are either closed or operating with skeleton crews.

For financial markets, the shutdown creates uncertainty about government spending and economic data releases. Many federal agencies that publish key economic reports have suspended operations, leaving investors with less information to make decisions.

The longer this drags on, the bigger the economic hit becomes. Government contractors aren't getting paid, federal spending stops flowing to local communities, and consumer confidence takes a beating. Some economists estimate the shutdown costs the US economy about $1.2 billion per week.

Both parties are feeling political pressure to end the standoff, but so far neither side has shown signs of backing down. The question now is whether the mounting economic and social costs will force a compromise before the damage gets even worse.