The U.S. government shutdown is set to become the longest in history as President Donald Trump refuses to negotiate with Democrats over extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, according to the Associated Press. The impasse has left millions at risk of losing food aid and health care assistance while federal workers miss additional paychecks.
Trump told CBS’s 60 Minutes that he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats and will only discuss health care once the government reopens. Senate Democrats have blocked 13 GOP attempts to fund the government, insisting on negotiations first. The president has doubled down, urging Senate Republicans to end the filibuster to advance his agenda without Democratic support.
With the shutdown entering its sixth week, both parties remain entrenched. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans need five Democrats to vote with them to pass a bill reopening the government. Democrats, including Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, say Trump must personally engage before talks can progress.
The effects are spreading nationwide. Delays are increasing at airports as unpaid air traffic controllers call out, and 42 million Americans face disruptions to SNAP food assistance. Two federal judges recently ordered the administration to fund the program after the Department of Agriculture said it planned to withhold $8 billion in payments.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration awaits further court guidance, arguing that Democrats could end the crisis by voting to reopen the government. Meanwhile, the shutdown—now in its 33rd day—shows no sign of ending, echoing Trump’s 2019 standoff over border wall funding.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.