Second-Longest U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Day 22 Amid Federal Worker Hardship

President Donald Trump has asserted his authority to conduct military strikes against drug cartels in international waters, with the U.S. military recently carrying out an eighth confirmed strike in the Eastern Pacific. He emphasized the deadly impact of drug trafficking in the U.S., citing over 300,000 American deaths last year as justification for these actions, while also indicating he may seek Congressional approval for any future land operations. Meanwhile, the ongoing government shutdown, now the second-longest in U.S. history at 22 days, has severely impacted hundreds of thousands of federal workers, including TSA officers, air traffic controllers, and judges, who are working without pay and struggling financially. Federal workers have resorted to alternative income methods, such as ridesharing and delivery services, to cope with missed paychecks, while concerns grow over the potential worsening of effects, including the expiration of SNAP benefits affecting millions. Congressional efforts to resolve the shutdown remain stalled, prolonging uncertainty for federal employees and national security implications related to drug trafficking enforcement. This situation contrasts with the administration's commitment to combating drug cartels militarily, highlighting the broader challenges facing the government amid the shutdown.