The US government has been shut down for 36 days after Democrats and Republicans in Congress failed to agree on a temporary budget to fund federal agencies—marking the longest shutdown in US history.
Federal employees continue to work without pay, and essential services such as food aid and childcare programs face major disruptions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that extended delays could force airspace closures, with 13,000 air traffic controllers already working unpaid.
The deadlock centers on healthcare funding, as Democrats demand the preservation of health subsidies and social spending while Republicans reject the proposal. The shutdown surpasses the 35-day closure during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2018–2019.