US Government Shutdown Becomes Longest in History Amidst Deep Political Impasse and Growing Public Impact
The US government shutdown has become the longest ever, surpassing 36 days, causing missed federal paychecks, air travel concerns, and increased food bank demand, as political leaders remain deadlocked.
Thune eyes longer stopgap funding bill as shutdown drags on
Washington Examiner
Overview
- The US government shutdown has officially become the longest in American history, now exceeding 36 days, marking an unprecedented period of federal operational closure.
- This prolonged shutdown is causing significant hardship, including missed paychecks for federal workers, growing concerns about air travel safety, and a surge in demand at food banks nationwide.
- Political leaders remain at a deep impasse, with Republicans accusing Democrats of irresponsibility and demanding the government reopen before any further negotiations, such as on healthcare, can commence.
- The Senate has made 13 unsuccessful attempts to pass short-term funding bills, consistently facing opposition from Senate Democrats, highlighting the persistent legislative deadlock.
- Despite the ongoing stalemate, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is crafting a new funding measure, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats explore options, indicating continued efforts for a resolution this week.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of the political stalemate and its widespread impacts. They attribute strong opinions directly to political figures, avoiding loaded editorial language. The reporting focuses on factual developments, such as the shutdown's record length and its tangible effects on citizens, without advocating for a particular resolution or blaming one side.
"The longest shutdown in U.S. history is official on Wednesday, Nov. 5, as bipartisan efforts in the Senate to reopen the federal government continue to flounder in the now five-week-old budget impasse."
USA TODAY"The shutdown, which began 1 October, was prompted by the inability of Congress to agree to a new funding deal."
BBC News"The plan is certain to divide the Democratic caucus — and possibly also their Republican colleagues — as senators try to assemble a bipartisan deal to reopen the government, ending 35 days of a debilitating shutdown."
Semafor"There’s been cautious optimism among some senators of a potential bipartisan breakthrough in the shutdown standoff that they said could come as early as this week."
Roll Call"The measure would fund the government until Nov. 21."
CBS News"The uncertainty for food insecure families is one of a number of pain points amping up the pressure on lawmakers to come together and reach a compromise."
USA TODAY"There’s no question that many lawmakers feel far closer to reopening the government than they did a week ago."
Semafor"There's still no clear path out of the shutdown."
ABC NewsArticles (14)
Center (8)
FAQ
The shutdown has caused a temporary economic slowdown with a reduction in real GDP due to fewer federal services, lower federal spending, and reduced aggregate demand. Private sector output also declined, and the longer the shutdown lasts, the more intense the economic impact, though most lost output will be recovered after funding resumes.
Federal employees have missed paychecks and many have been furloughed, leading to a reduction in federal services provided. This has also caused concerns in sectors like air travel safety and increased demand in food banks across the nation.
Republicans and Democrats remain in a deadlock, with Republicans demanding the government reopen before any further negotiations, including on healthcare, while Senate Democrats have opposed 13 short-term funding bills, highlighting the persistent legislative impasse.
The shutdown interrupts the flow of key federal economic data, causing delays in releases such as trade, housing, and consumer spending figures. This data gap hinders economists, investors, and Federal Reserve policymakers from accurately assessing the economy and conducting evidence-based policy.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working on crafting a new funding measure, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats are exploring options, indicating continued efforts to reach a resolution within the week.
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