Congress Set to Break Record for Longest U.S. Government Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown enters its 33rd day, it is poised to become the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record set during the 2018–2019 shutdown. With no end in sight, the ongoing impasse has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed and millions more working without pay, while vital government services face severe disruptions.
The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. The stalemate stems from deep partisan divisions over federal spending, with Republicans and Democrats locked in a bitter standoff over issues including foreign aid, health insurance subsidies, and proposed changes to entitlement programs.
Impact on Federal Workers and Services
Approximately 900,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while another 2 million are working without pay. Essential services such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Transportation Security Administration remain operational, but many agencies—including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the WIC program—have seen partial or full suspensions of operations.
For families relying on programs like WIC, the shutdown has brought immediate hardship. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is at risk of running out of funds within days, raising concerns about food insecurity for vulnerable populations.
Political Stalemate and Accusations
Republicans have accused Democrats of demanding expansive new spending, including billions for healthcare for undocumented immigrants, which they claim is driving the shutdown. The White House and conservative groups have labeled the Democratic position as “political hostage-taking,” arguing that Democrats are prioritizing benefits for non-citizens over American citizens.
Democrats, meanwhile, have rejected these claims, insisting that their proposals are aimed at protecting healthcare access and expanding support for vulnerable Americans. Independent analysts have disputed the scale of alleged fraud in Affordable Care Act enrollment, which Republicans have cited as justification for their stance.
Despite the mounting pressure, negotiations have stalled. “There’s been no movement,” said Jeremy Mayer, director of the political science master’s program at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. “Every other shutdown had some back-and-forth, some shifting sands. This time, both sides have drawn lines in the sand and refuse to budge.”
Broader Economic and Social Consequences
The shutdown is already taking a toll on the economy. Economists estimate that each week of closure drains about $15 billion from the GDP and costs tens of thousands of jobs. Families waiting for permits, benefits, or loan approvals face delays, and active-duty military personnel are serving without pay.
Essential workers continue to carry out their duties under stress and uncertainty, while the broader public grows increasingly anxious about the government’s ability to function. “This isn’t politics, it’s about protecting our children,” said a spokesperson for the America First Women’s Initiative. “Empty bottles, empty bellies. America’s moms are watching. Our babies can’t wait.”
Voices from Capitol Hill
Some lawmakers, like Representative Kevin Kiley of California, have criticized the shutdown and called for bipartisan efforts to end the impasse. “Clearly, it’s not working,” Kiley told reporters. “Sometimes you have to work with people who have a different position in order to find common ground.”
However, with both parties entrenched in their positions and no signs of compromise, the shutdown is expected to continue, setting a grim new record for American governance.
As the shutdown drags on, the nation faces not only the immediate consequences of halted services and unpaid workers but also the long-term erosion of public trust in government institutions. With no resolution in sight, the question remains: how much longer can the country endure?