Longest-Ever Shutdown Turns 36 Days
At 00:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, the US federal government shutdown hit Day 36, surpassing the 2018-2019 record and becoming the longest in history. With no funding deal in sight, services and millions of Americans remain in limbo.
Aviation at Risk
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that unpaid air traffic controllers could force widespread flight cancellations or even airspace closures if paychecks don't resume next week. FlightAware data shows thousands of daily delays nationwide.
Hunger Relief Under Pressure
Nearly 42 million people rely on SNAP food assistance – about one-eighth of the population. After court orders, the administration tapped emergency funds to sustain half of this month's benefits, but full distributions may take weeks. Officials say relief funds won't flow until the shutdown ends.
Economic Fog
- 1 million federal workers unpaid, denting consumer spending.
- Fed Chair Jerome Powell warns missing data clouds December policy decisions.
- Congressional Budget Office: A 6-week shutdown could slice 1-2 percentage points off Q4 GDP, costing $11-14 billion if extended to 8 weeks.
Political Stalemate
On Tuesday, Senate Republicans failed their 14th attempt to pass a House-approved funding bill. Both parties traded blame: Democrats warned of soaring health premiums, while Republicans accused Democrats of fear of far-left backlash.
Public Trust Erodes
With Congress approval at just 15%, nearly 80% of adults disapprove of its performance. Polls show 68% feel Democrats are out of touch, and 61% say the same about Republicans.
As the shutdown drags on, millions feel the pinch. Pressure is mounting for compromise – if leaders can overcome partisan gridlock, Americans await the day when services, paychecks, and policy data flow freely again.
Reference(s):
U.S. records longest gov't shutdown in history as it enters Day 36
cgtn.com
