The federal government shutdown in the United States has now become the longest in history, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. This shutdown, which began on October 1, is the third to occur during President Donald Trump's administration. As a result, thousands of federal workers are without pay, and millions more are facing uncertainty regarding their financial stability.

The shutdown has lasted 36 days, with Congress unable to agree on a spending plan. Under U.S. law, both chambers of Congress must approve a budget, which the president then signs into law. Currently, Republicans and Democrats are at an impasse over healthcare benefits. Democrats are advocating for an extension of tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Although Republicans control both chambers, they lack the 60 votes needed to pass their spending plan.

As of last Friday, approximately 670,000 federal employees have been furloughed, meaning they are on unpaid leave. This figure comes from the Bipartisan Policy Center, which is monitoring the shutdown's impact. The first pay period without income for these workers began on October 24. Some agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Education, have furloughed over 80 percent of their staff. At the EPA, 89 percent of employees, or about 13,432 individuals, are currently furloughed.

In addition to those furloughed, an estimated 730,000 federal employees are working without pay. This group includes essential workers such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers. These employees are not eligible for unemployment benefits and cannot seek additional employment. President Trump has indicated that they will receive back pay once the government reopens, although he has also suggested that some may not deserve it.

The shutdown has also affected the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to millions of Americans. As of Saturday, SNAP funds have run out for the first time in its 60-year history. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to continue funding the program, which costs about $8 billion per month. Approximately 42 million people rely on SNAP, with nearly 39 percent of recipients being children.

In a separate development, an anonymous donor has contributed $130 million to the Pentagon to help pay military personnel during the shutdown. This donation has raised concerns among some senators regarding its legality and the implications of using private funds to support the military.

The shutdown has also led to significant disruptions in air travel. More than half of the major airports in the U.S. are experiencing staffing shortages, affecting 3.2 million passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that nearly 80 percent of air traffic controllers in New York are absent, leading to increased stress and fatigue among those still working.

Economically, the shutdown is projected to cost the U.S. between $7 billion and $14 billion, depending on its duration. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if the shutdown lasts eight weeks, it could result in a 2-point dip in GDP. The White House Council of Economic Advisers has predicted a loss of $30 billion in consumer spending due to the shutdown.

Despite multiple attempts to pass a bill to end the shutdown, the Senate has failed 14 times to advance a resolution. The latest vote saw 54 senators in favor and 44 against, falling short of the necessary supermajority. Both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions to find a resolution, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressing hope that an agreement is close. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the Democratic caucus is exploring all options to resolve the impasse.