The US federal government entered its 36th day of shutdown on Wednesday, marking the longest in the nation’s history, as Congress continues to fail in passing a federal budget.
The previous record was set during President Donald Trump’s first term, when a shutdown halted many federal operations for over five weeks at the end of 2018 and the start of 2019.
The duration of the current shutdown depends on whether both parties in Congress can reach an agreement. The Senate is expected to hold new rounds of voting Wednesday, while the House of Representatives has no scheduled session this week, though it could convene depending on circumstances.
The shutdown has halted federal funding for day-to-day operations and payrolls, affecting numerous agencies and offices. Only agencies deemed essential continue functioning, and the effects are increasingly visible in daily life across the United States.
Many federal employees have not received paychecks since October, while airport operations are being disrupted, with long lines at check-ins and numerous flight cancellations due to shortages of air traffic controllers who have sought other employment.
Congress was required to approve a new federal budget by the end of September. However, a Republican-proposed temporary budget failed to secure the necessary majority, and a Democratic proposal was previously rejected, leaving the government without funding.
