WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 5, 2025
The United States federal government marked its 36th day of shutdown on Wednesday, officially surpassing the previous record of 35 days set during President Donald Trump's first term in 2018–2019. The impasse, triggered by partisan disagreements over fiscal year 2026 funding, has left approximately 700,000 federal workers furloughed and another 700,000 essential personnel working without pay. As the shutdown drags on, disruptions ripple across the economy, from delayed flights and strained food assistance programs to halted economic data releases and closed national parks.
The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, when Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the new fiscal year. Republicans, controlling the House and holding a 53-seat majority in the Senate, have pushed a "clean" continuing resolution (CR) to maintain current spending levels through November 21 without policy changes. Democrats have blocked it 14 times, demanding extensions of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits—set to expire at the end of 2025—that lower premiums for millions on marketplace plans. Without them, premiums could rise by an average of 26%, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
On Tuesday, November 4, the Senate rejected the Republican-backed CR for the 14th time in a procedural vote, ensuring the shutdown would break the record. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed optimism for a resolution this week, citing bipartisan talks among rank-and-file senators. "Shutdowns are stupid," Thune told reporters. "Nobody wins." Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), insist any deal must address healthcare subsidies and reverse some of Trump's earlier spending rescissions.
President Trump, overseeing his second record-breaking shutdown, has blamed Democrats for "extorting" him and vowed not to negotiate until they pass the clean CR. In a Truth Social post, he urged ending the 60-vote filibuster threshold, allowing Republicans to fund the government unilaterally. "If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want," Trump said during a CBS interview. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt echoed this, highlighting unpaid essential workers like air traffic controllers.
Impacts on Essential Services and Workers
Essential operations continue, but without paychecks. Over 13,000 air traffic controllers are affected, leading to shortages. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of "mass chaos" and potential airspace closures if the shutdown persists another week. Since October, more than 16,700 flights have faced delays or cancellations, per Federal Aviation Administration reports. The Airline for America group reported 3.2 million passengers impacted.
National parks, monuments, and museums remain closed or unstaffed, deterring tourism. The Smithsonian and sites like Muir Woods National Monument posted shutdown notices. Rural air travel subsidies under the Essential Air Service program are funded only through November 18.
Federal workers face mounting hardship. Furlough notices have been extended to late November or November 30 in agencies like the General Services Administration and Department of Commerce. Unions push for retroactive pay, but an Office of Management and Budget memo argues it requires explicit congressional authorization—contradicting the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act signed by Trump.
Food Assistance in Crisis
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aiding 41–42 million low-income Americans, has been severely disrupted. October benefits were issued early, but November funding ran dry. After lawsuits from over two dozen states, courts ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to tap $5–6 billion in contingency funds. On November 3, the USDA announced partial benefits—about 50–60% of normal—for November, depleting reserves. Average monthly aid is $190.59 per person or $356.41 per household.
Food banks report surging demand. In Washington, D.C., and nationwide, lines at pantries like Capital Area Food Bank have lengthened. Head Start programs for low-income children face grant freezes, affecting 58,600 kids in 134 centers. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program risks pauses.
Trump claimed on Truth Social that full SNAP resumption requires Democrats to reopen the government. USDA officials cited legal uncertainties but complied partially after rulings in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Economic Toll Mounts
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the shutdown could shave $14 billion from GDP, with $7 billion lost after four weeks, $11 billion after six, and $14 billion after eight. A 1–2 percentage point quarterly GDP decline is projected. The 2018–2019 shutdown cost $11 billion total, $3 billion permanently.
Businesses suffer from delayed permits, loans, and certifications. Economic data releases—like employment and inflation figures—are halted, fueling market uncertainty. Private sector investment and hiring stall. Tourism losses deepen, with hotels reporting $894 billion in annual GDP contributions at risk.
Historical Context and Path Forward
This is the 11th shutdown causing furloughs since 1980, and the third under Trump. Previous long ones: 21 days (1995–1996, Clinton era, over spending cuts); 16 days (2013, Obama era, ACA disputes); 35 days (2018–2019, border wall). Ten shorter shutdowns lasted three days or less.
Bipartisan Senate talks focus on a new CR, possibly extending to January 2026, with a standalone ACA vote. Proposals include a two-year subsidy extension with income caps ($200,000–$400,000). House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) may recall the House. Thune and moderates like Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) predict an "off-ramp" soon.
Trump plans a Wednesday breakfast with GOP senators. Democrats warn prolonged closure empowers executive cuts via rescissions, per the July 2025 Rescissions Act. Courts have blocked some Trump-era layoffs during the shutdown.
As lines form at food banks and delays mount at airports, pressure builds. "The American people ought to hold us all accountable," Thune said. With no vote scheduled, the shutdown's end remains uncertain, but glimmers of compromise suggest resolution could come before Thanksgiving.
