WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has entered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longest ever and causing significant disruptions in the lives of millions of Americans. The shutdown is leading to federal program cuts, flight delays, and leaving federal workers without paychecks.
Negotiations between President Donald Trump and Democrats remain stalled as Trump insists on conditions to salvage health insurance subsidies before reopening the government, raising doubts among Democrats about his commitment. The culmination of these tensions is causing drastically soaring health insurance premiums for millions.
Trump is set to meet with GOP senators to strategize, but no discussions with Democrats are currently planned. Increased efforts from centrist senators aim to find a compromise, especially after recent election results influence the dynamics of the negotiations.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer noted that his party is considering all options for negotiations, even as no clear resolutions materialize following lengthy meetings.
As food aid, child care funds, and other vital programs face critical disruptions, labor unions and various stakeholders are pressing for an urgent resolution to this historic shutdown, which some Senate leaders have termed “the most severe shutdown on record.”
