The US government shutdown entered its 36th day marking the longest in the nation’s history
The deadlock stems from a deep partisan divide in Congress, where Republicans and Democrats have failed to agree on a new federal budget since the previous one expired on October 1.
The impasse has led to severe disruptions across the country — freezing vital social programs, forcing hundreds of thousands of federal employees into unpaid furloughs, and delaying critical government services.
Air traffic has been increasingly affected as unpaid airport security officers and air traffic controllers call in sick, resulting in delays and cancellations at major airports.
National parks remain closed or operate at minimal capacity, while public health agencies warn that prolonged funding gaps could jeopardize key programs, including food safety inspections and disease monitoring.
Economic analysts estimate that the shutdown could shave billions off the US GDP if it continues much longer, while household’s dependent on federal paychecks struggle to cover basic expenses.
Pressure is mounting on both parties as public frustration grows, with polls showing that a majority of Americans blame Congress for failing to reach a compromise.
Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, neither side has shown signs of backing down.
President and congressional leaders have exchanged accusations of political obstruction, while calls for an emergency spending measure have so far failed to gain traction.
As the standoff continues, uncertainty looms over the functioning of government institutions and the broader US economy.
