• The US government shutdown has surpassed 35 days, making it the longest in history.
• Over 1.4 million federal workers are affected, either furloughed or working without pay.
• Both parties remain deadlocked over healthcare spending, complicating negotiations.
• Travel disruptions are expected as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, with over 5.8 million travelers.
• Trump insists on ending the Senate filibuster as a way to push through funding measures.

The United States government shutdown has entered its 36th day as of November 5, 2025, breaking the previous record set during Donald Trump's first term. This prolonged stoppage has resulted from a failure to pass a stopgap funding measure before the fiscal year began on October 1, halting various federal services and impacting millions of Americans nationwide, especially in programs such as food assistance and air travel, according to Indiatimes, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera.

The current shutdown is affecting over 1.4 million federal workers who are either furloughed or working without pay, leading to significant disruptions, particularly as Thanksgiving travel approaches. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that "mass chaos" could ensue at airports if the shutdown continues, especially with 5.8 million expected travelers this holiday season. Declining staff due to unpaid work creates delays, mirroring past shutdowns when airport workers called in sick, according to AA and AA.

Despite recent attempts to initiate negotiations, both parties in Congress remain at an impasse primarily because of disagreements over healthcare spending. Democrats demand that funds for Affordable Care Act premium subsidies be included in any compromise, while Republicans insist on a clean funding bill without additional demands. Trump has stated that he will not engage in discussions until Democrats agree to reopen the government, branding their stance as “extortion,” according to LA Times and Channel News Asia.

The administration warned that disruptions in government services would persist as long as negotiations stall. Federal assistance programs, including food stamps affecting 42 million Americans, are vulnerable as funding runs low. Trump threatened to sever this crucial aid unless Democrats comply with reopening the government, a strategy that has drawn heavy criticism and legal challenges in light of court rulings mandating continued funding, according to Indiatimes and South China Morning Post.

With Trump's administration refusing to negotiate unless the Senate filibuster is terminated, the climate remains contentious. "We must get the government back open soon," Trump emphasized in meetings with Senate Republicans, urging them to eliminate the procedural barrier. Senators from both parties have expressed skepticism about altering the filibuster rule, highlighting the tensions within Republican ranks regarding next steps, according to LA Times and Channel News Asia.