The U.S. government shutdown reached its 40th day on November 9, making it the longest in American history. Thousands of federal employees remain unpaid, and millions of Americans are feeling the ripple effects in services from air travel to food assistance.
Unpaid Workers on the Frontlines
About 800,000 federal workers are furloughed or working without pay. From national park rangers to air traffic controllers, many are stretching personal budgets to cover rent, groceries, and other bills. A recent survey found 60% of affected workers have dipped into savings to make ends meet.
Travel Turmoil Takes Off
In aviation, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 security screeners are on the job without a paycheck. As more staff take leave, airports nationwide report flight delays up 25% compared to last year. "It took us nearly two hours to get through immigration," says passenger Connor Lotte at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where lines stretched almost a mile long.
Ana Lucia Hume, a staff member at Miami International Airport, warns of rising stress: "Pilots’ mental health is affected. Continued shutdown could create safety risks."
Essential Services on Hold
Food assistance programs have paused new enrollments, leaving low-income families scrambling. Community health centers report staffing gaps, potentially delaying care for chronic conditions. Meanwhile, small businesses awaiting regulatory approvals face mounting slowdowns.
Looking Ahead
With public approval ratings dipping below 30%, lawmakers face growing pressure to find a funding deal. As discussions continue in Congress, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that restores paychecks and reinstates vital services.
For globally minded readers, this shutdown highlights how political stalemates can reshape daily routines—from the flights we book to the food on our tables.
Reference(s):
Uncovering America: How U.S. government shutdown affects daily life
cgtn.com
