Federal Government Shutdown Becomes Second Longest in U.S. History Amid Healthcare Dispute

The U.S. government shutdown, now the second-longest in history, has persisted for nearly a month due to deep divisions between congressional Republicans and Democrats, with no end in sight. President Donald Trump, currently on a trade trip in Asia, is criticized by Democrats for leaving Washington amid the ongoing crisis, while House Speaker Mike Johnson accuses Democrats of using federal workers and families as leverage over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The shutdown has led to furloughs of hundreds of thousands of federal workers, paused many federal services, and strained essential programs like SNAP, affecting vulnerable populations such as low-income families and single parents. The longest shutdown occurred during Trump's first term, lasting 34 days over funding for a border wall; the current shutdown is the longest full shutdown, with no appropriations bills passed before the fiscal year expired. Both parties have blocked each other's bills aimed at ensuring federal workers are paid during the shutdown, further escalating the impasse. Experts note that such shutdowns erode public trust in government institutions and highlight the increasing partisan gridlock and ideological polarization in U.S. politics.