US Government Shutdown Sets Record at 35 Days
The US government shutdown has become the longest in American history, reaching 35 days as the Senate failed for the 14th time to pass a funding bill. The political stalemate leaves 1.4 million federal workers without pay and threatens major air travel disruptions.
Key Takeaways
- Senate fails to pass funding bill for 14th time, extending shutdown to record 35 days
- 1.4 million federal workers affected, including air traffic controllers
- Air travel chaos and potential airspace closures loom as shutdown continues
- Food assistance programs for millions of Americans hang in limbo
Voting Breakdown and Political Standoff
The Senate procedural motion to advance the House-passed funding bill failed 54-44, falling short of the required 60 votes. The Republican-backed measure would have maintained current spending levels through November 21.
Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and John Fetterman, along with Independent Angus King, voted to proceed with the bill. Republican Senator Rand Paul opposed it, while Thom Tillis and Cory Booker were absent.
“We’re not asking for anything radical,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said. “Lowering people’s healthcare costs is the definition of common sense.”
Growing Impact on Americans
The funding impasse began when Congress failed to approve funding past September 30. Welfare programs that help millions afford groceries now hang in limbo, while 1.4 million federal workers face enforced leave without pay or are working without compensation.
Air Travel Crisis Looms
The Trump administration warned of severe airport turmoil if the shutdown extends into a sixth week. Staff shortages could cause mass flight delays, cancellations, and potential airspace closures.
“You’ll see mass cancelations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don’t have the air traffic controllers,” Transport Secretary Sean Duffy stated.
Trump’s Stance and Food Aid Threat
Unlike the 2018-19 shutdown focused on border wall funding, President Trump has been largely absent from this debate. However, he recently threatened to halt SNAP food assistance benefits unless Democrats agree to reopen the government.
Trump declared on social media that SNAP benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!” This move could potentially defy court orders to release contingency funds for the food assistance program.
