FARGO — Thursday, Oct. 30, marked day 30 of the federal government shutdown, and without a deal soon, it could become the longest in U.S. history.

Millions of federal employees remain without work or pay, and millions more are feeling the strain, with growing concerns over food assistance and rising health insurance costs.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., acknowledged the duration with a touch of humor. "I predicted that this would last a day or two. Here we are on, you know, it's Groundhog Day 30 times and tomorrow's Halloween, and the bewitching hour is upon us," he said.

Both Cramer and Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said the path forward is for Senate Democrats to join Republicans in passing a continuing resolution, or CR. That would allow the government to reopen for increments of time, letti

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