The United States is on the brink of officially recording its longest government shutdown in history, as political gridlock stretches into its 35th day with no breakthrough in sight. The standoff, driven by sharp divisions between the White House and congressional Democrats, is now threatening to disrupt essential social programmes and paralyse critical services.

What did Speaker Mike Johnson say about efforts to end the shutdown?

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans are appealing directly to a “handful” of moderate Democrats in the Senate to help reopen the government, bypassing senior Democratic leaders. Also Read | Trump calls to end filibuster as US heads for record-breaking shutdown

Johnson added that he does not believe Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer or House M

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