Democratic leaders are demanding a sit-down meeting with President Trump as the government shutdown continues into its 22nd day, but prospects for negotiations appear dim with Trump scheduled to depart for Asia in the coming days.
The shutdown is now the second-longest in American history and appears headed toward record-breaking territory. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days during 2018-2019.
Another Senate vote expected today to reopen the government is anticipated to fail, as both parties remain entrenched in their positions over health insurance premium subsidies.
Federal Workers Face Financial Hardship
The human cost of the shutdown became visible in Hyattsville, Maryland, where federal workers lined up at food pantries for free groceries. Many of these furloughed employees will m