The US government shutdown is approaching the record for the longest ever as the stand-off between the Democrats and Republicans on the Hill continues.

The shutdown, triggered by lawmakers failing to pass new funding bills, began on 1 October, has affected millions of Americans who rely on support programmes normally funded by the federal government.

By the end of 5 November, it will be the longest shutdown in US government history, beating the previous record of 35 days set during Donald Trump's first term in 2019, when he demanded Congress allocate money for his promised US-Mexico border wall.

Healthcare is the principal sticking point for the two parties , but the ramifications of the shutdown go far beyond that, with critical federal services struggling to function.

Here are some

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