U.S. Government Shutdown Breaks Record Amid Ongoing Internal Disputes
The ongoing budget dispute between Republican and Democratic senators shows no sign of resolution, according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and The Guardian.
This shutdown has surpassed the previous record of 35 days set during the winter of 2018-2019,in President Donald Trump’s first term. At that time, trump withheld his signature on the government funding bill unless it included money for a border wall with Mexico.
The current deadlock began on October 1. Democratic senators have refused to approve the funding bill unless it includes an extension of Joe Biden-era tax credits designed to help cover healthcare costs for vulnerable populations.
Experts warn that if these subsidies expire at the end of 2025, tens of millions of Americans will no longer be able to afford their insurance premiums.
The Republican-controlled House passed a budget bill in September with onyl one Democrat voting in favor. As then, House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept legislative sessions suspended. Consequently, legislative focus has shifted to the senate where majority Leader Chuck Schumer has brought the budget proposal to a vote fourteen times but failed due to insufficient Democratic support.
CBO estimates show that extending the shutdown could reduce U.S. GDP by up to $14 billion.
As weeks pass, economic and social consequences continue mounting. Approximately 700,000 federal employees have been placed on furlough while nearly as many are required to work without pay until new funding is approved.
President Donald Trump has played a limited role in negotiations since holding one unsuccessful meeting with party leaders just before the shutdown began. Recently he called for eliminating Senate filibuster rules so Republicans could pass legislation without needing 60 votes-a proposal Schumer said lacks support among his party’s senators.
In mid-October, Trump announced military salaries would be paid from unused Pentagon research funds-an action experts considered illegal.
Banks providing food assistance nationwide have reported increased demand from federal workers. Meanwhile, USDA stated its food aid programme funds had run dry and payments would be cut by half-a advancement likely to worsen hardship among larger segments of society.
Republicans blame Democrats for irresponsibly shutting down government by rejecting a funding bill that would have temporarily kept government operations running through November 21.
The Democrats counter that Republicans bear obligation because they control both chambers yet still need at least eight Democratic votes in Senate; so far only three Democrats back this version while Republican Senator Rand Paul opposes it as well.
The Democrats also warned Republicans about expected sharp premium increases under health insurance programs. According to Kaiser Foundation data released ahead of open enrollment beginning november 1, average premiums could rise by up to 26 percent if tax credits expire soon due to stalled legislation efforts.
