Washington: US President Donald Trump has declared he won’t be “extorted” by the Democrats as the government shutdown approaches a record length, with few signs the two parties will reach an agreement to avoid further pain for millions of Americans.

Federal government workers have been furloughed or working without pay for a month, airport delays are intensifying and millions began losing food stamp benefits on the weekend because funding bills to allow the government to function have not been passed.

US President Donald Trump said he wanted Republicans to consider “the nuclear option” to end the government shutdown. Credit: Bloomberg

While Republicans control both the House of Representatives and the Senate – as well as the White House – Democratic support is required to overc

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