US Government Shutdown Nears Longest Record Impacting Economy, Millions

The United States is experiencing a government shutdown that is rapidly approaching the longest in history, causing widespread disruption across federal agencies and the economy. Over one million federal employees are working without pay, many living paycheck to paycheck and facing financial hardship, while essential services and economic data collection have been halted or delayed, complicating policy decisions such as those by the Federal Reserve. Key programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), relied upon by over 40 million Americans, are running out of funds, and health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act are expected to rise sharply due to the expiration of subsidies, intensifying public strain. The standoff between President Trump's Republican Party and Democrats over the federal budget shows no resolution, with both sides blaming each other as the shutdown extends. The shutdown's consequences extend beyond federal workers, impacting everyday Americans and even the political landscape, with Republicans facing criticism for potentially harming their voter base in Trump-supporting states. Overall, the prolonged shutdown is causing escalating economic and social challenges, with no clear end in sight.