The US government shutdown has entered its 34th day: airports are paralyzed, food aid has been cut off, how will the partisan battle end?
2025-11-03 15:54:30
The US government shutdown is likely to set a new record this week, with the political deadlock between Democrats and Republicans entering its 34th day. Millions may lose food assistance benefits, Medicare subsidies are about to expire, and there has been very little real negotiation between the two parties on how to end the shutdown.
In an interview broadcast last Sunday (November 2), US President Trump said he "will not be coerced by Democrats," who are demanding negotiations on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that would benefit millions of Americans until the end of the year.
Aligning with congressional Republicans, Trump stated on CBS's "60 Minutes" that he would only negotiate after the government reopens.
Trump's remarks suggest the shutdown could last longer—federal employees such as air traffic controllers will face further pay cuts, and the continued benefits for the 42 million people receiving federal food assistance are uncertain. Senate Democrats have voted against funding proposals to reopen the government 13 times, insisting that Trump and Republicans must negotiate with them first.
The president accused Democrats of “losing their way” and predicted they would eventually compromise with Republicans.
Trump said, "I think they have to vote, and if they don't, that's their own problem."
He again called on Republican leaders to change the Senate rules of procedure. Senate Republicans have consistently rejected this proposal since Trump's first term, emphasizing that the rule requiring 60 votes to conclude a debate is crucial to the legislature and effectively blocks Democratic policies when in a minority position.
In a CBS interview, Trump stated bluntly, "Republicans must take a tougher stance. If we can abolish obstruction of proceedings, we will fully achieve our policy goals."
With the two parties locked in a political deadlock, the government shutdown, entering its sixth week, is poised to set a new record for the longest in history. The previous record was set during President Trump's first term, when he requested Congressional approval for funding to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.
Trump’s persistent pressure to repeal Senate obstruction rules could put Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his Republican colleagues in a dilemma—these Republicans had initially chosen to stick to their established political line as the consequences of the government shutdown worsened.
Republicans are hoping that at least some Democrats will eventually defect. For weeks, moderate lawmakers and Republican grassroots members have been discussing potential compromises: reopening the government in exchange for a vote on the healthcare bill. Republicans still need five Democratic votes to pass the bill.
In his final address to the Senate before the recess, Thune stated bluntly: "We need five principled colleagues who can prove they care more about the livelihoods of the American people than about political maneuvering."
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine revealed on ABC's "This Week" program last Sunday that groups from both parties are indeed exploring "pathways to resolve the healthcare reform impasse" and are demanding that Republicans commit to not laying off federal employees. However, whether these negotiations, which concern the livelihoods of millions, will yield substantial results remains to be seen.
In a 60 Minutes interview, Trump criticized the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as "Obamacare," as "terrible"—the act was signed and vigorously promoted by former President Barack Obama. He claimed that if Democrats agree to reopen the government, "we will set about fixing the current flawed healthcare system."
The Democrats, however, hold a completely opposite position. They point out that the healthcare exchange has been remarkably effective, with record enrollments. But the party insists that the subsidies established during the pandemic must be extended to prevent healthcare costs for millions of people from skyrocketing after January 1st.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated last week, "We are willing to sit down with Thune, (House Speaker Mike) Johnson, and Trump to work together to find a viable solution to this healthcare crisis."
While Democrats continued to urge Trump to negotiate with Republicans, Trump remained unenthusiastic. During the government shutdown, upon returning from a trip to Asia, he immediately called for the repeal of Senate rules on obstruction of process.
White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt revealed on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" program that the president has discussed repealing the rules of procedure directly with Thune and Johnson.
But Thune’s spokesperson indicated last Friday that his position had not wavered, and Johnson went further on Sunday, stating that Republicans have always opposed abolishing the Senate obstruction of process rule because the procedure protects them “from the most extreme policies of the far-left Democrats.”
Trump admitted on 60 Minutes: "I admire John Thune and think he's a great guy, but we have differences on this issue."
During the shutdown, the president devoted a great deal of energy to mocking Democrats—not only posting a video on social media of House Democratic Leader Hakim Jeffries wearing a Mexican sombrero, but also creating a parody of 2000s social networking sites on the White House website for Democratic “personal pages” with the prominent statement: “Our greatest passion is using people’s livelihoods as political bargaining chips.”
Democrats have repeatedly stressed the need for Trump to demonstrate seriousness and intervene in negotiations. Virginia Senator Mark Warner stated that he expects the shutdown to end "this week" as Trump returns to Washington.
Warner stated bluntly on CBS's "Face the Nation": "Without Trump's approval, Republicans can't get anywhere on any issue."
The 35-day government shutdown that lasted from December 2018 to 2019 ended with Trump making concessions on funding for the border wall. That crisis led to increased airport delays across the country, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees went without pay for months.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed on ABC's "This Week" program that delays have occurred at multiple airports, "and the situation is only going to worsen." Many workers are facing difficult choices: "Should they feed their children, fill up their cars, pay their rent, or continue working without pay?"
As flight delays worsen nationwide, New York City's Department of Emergency Management announced on Sunday that Newark Liberty International Airport was implementing ground delay procedures due to a "shortage of air traffic control personnel," limiting the number of arriving flights. The average delay is about two hours, with some flights delayed by more than three hours. The Federal Aviation Administration's contingency plan indicates that if the staff shortage worsens or demand increases, a complete grounding may be implemented.
Also in dire straits are the 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Agriculture had planned to suspend disbursements of the $8 billion needed for the program starting last Saturday, until two federal judges ordered the government to maintain funding.
House Democratic Leader Hakim Jeffries of New York accused Trump and Republicans of attempting to "weaponize hunger." He pointed out that while the government managed to allocate funds to other priorities during the shutdown, it was passive in responding to court rulings requiring the distribution of nutritional assistance.
Jeffries bluntly stated on CNN's "State of the Union" program: "But they just can't find the funds to ensure that Americans are free from hunger."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant also appeared on CNN last Sunday and said, "The government is still waiting for clear guidance from the courts. The best way to get funding for the nutrition assistance program is to get five Democrats to cross party lines and restart the government."
In an interview broadcast last Sunday (November 2), US President Trump said he "will not be coerced by Democrats," who are demanding negotiations on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that would benefit millions of Americans until the end of the year.
Aligning with congressional Republicans, Trump stated on CBS's "60 Minutes" that he would only negotiate after the government reopens.
Trump's remarks suggest the shutdown could last longer—federal employees such as air traffic controllers will face further pay cuts, and the continued benefits for the 42 million people receiving federal food assistance are uncertain. Senate Democrats have voted against funding proposals to reopen the government 13 times, insisting that Trump and Republicans must negotiate with them first.
The president accused Democrats of “losing their way” and predicted they would eventually compromise with Republicans.
Trump said, "I think they have to vote, and if they don't, that's their own problem."
He again called on Republican leaders to change the Senate rules of procedure. Senate Republicans have consistently rejected this proposal since Trump's first term, emphasizing that the rule requiring 60 votes to conclude a debate is crucial to the legislature and effectively blocks Democratic policies when in a minority position.
In a CBS interview, Trump stated bluntly, "Republicans must take a tougher stance. If we can abolish obstruction of proceedings, we will fully achieve our policy goals."
With the two parties locked in a political deadlock, the government shutdown, entering its sixth week, is poised to set a new record for the longest in history. The previous record was set during President Trump's first term, when he requested Congressional approval for funding to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.
This week may be a decisive turning point.
Trump’s persistent pressure to repeal Senate obstruction rules could put Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his Republican colleagues in a dilemma—these Republicans had initially chosen to stick to their established political line as the consequences of the government shutdown worsened.
Republicans are hoping that at least some Democrats will eventually defect. For weeks, moderate lawmakers and Republican grassroots members have been discussing potential compromises: reopening the government in exchange for a vote on the healthcare bill. Republicans still need five Democratic votes to pass the bill.
In his final address to the Senate before the recess, Thune stated bluntly: "We need five principled colleagues who can prove they care more about the livelihoods of the American people than about political maneuvering."
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine revealed on ABC's "This Week" program last Sunday that groups from both parties are indeed exploring "pathways to resolve the healthcare reform impasse" and are demanding that Republicans commit to not laying off federal employees. However, whether these negotiations, which concern the livelihoods of millions, will yield substantial results remains to be seen.
Huge disagreements over Obamacare subsidies
In a 60 Minutes interview, Trump criticized the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as "Obamacare," as "terrible"—the act was signed and vigorously promoted by former President Barack Obama. He claimed that if Democrats agree to reopen the government, "we will set about fixing the current flawed healthcare system."
The Democrats, however, hold a completely opposite position. They point out that the healthcare exchange has been remarkably effective, with record enrollments. But the party insists that the subsidies established during the pandemic must be extended to prevent healthcare costs for millions of people from skyrocketing after January 1st.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated last week, "We are willing to sit down with Thune, (House Speaker Mike) Johnson, and Trump to work together to find a viable solution to this healthcare crisis."
Bipartisan consensus is nowhere to be found
While Democrats continued to urge Trump to negotiate with Republicans, Trump remained unenthusiastic. During the government shutdown, upon returning from a trip to Asia, he immediately called for the repeal of Senate rules on obstruction of process.
White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt revealed on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" program that the president has discussed repealing the rules of procedure directly with Thune and Johnson.
But Thune’s spokesperson indicated last Friday that his position had not wavered, and Johnson went further on Sunday, stating that Republicans have always opposed abolishing the Senate obstruction of process rule because the procedure protects them “from the most extreme policies of the far-left Democrats.”
Trump admitted on 60 Minutes: "I admire John Thune and think he's a great guy, but we have differences on this issue."
During the shutdown, the president devoted a great deal of energy to mocking Democrats—not only posting a video on social media of House Democratic Leader Hakim Jeffries wearing a Mexican sombrero, but also creating a parody of 2000s social networking sites on the White House website for Democratic “personal pages” with the prominent statement: “Our greatest passion is using people’s livelihoods as political bargaining chips.”
Democrats have repeatedly stressed the need for Trump to demonstrate seriousness and intervene in negotiations. Virginia Senator Mark Warner stated that he expects the shutdown to end "this week" as Trump returns to Washington.
Warner stated bluntly on CBS's "Face the Nation": "Without Trump's approval, Republicans can't get anywhere on any issue."
Record-breaking shutdown deadlock
The 35-day government shutdown that lasted from December 2018 to 2019 ended with Trump making concessions on funding for the border wall. That crisis led to increased airport delays across the country, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees went without pay for months.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed on ABC's "This Week" program that delays have occurred at multiple airports, "and the situation is only going to worsen." Many workers are facing difficult choices: "Should they feed their children, fill up their cars, pay their rent, or continue working without pay?"
As flight delays worsen nationwide, New York City's Department of Emergency Management announced on Sunday that Newark Liberty International Airport was implementing ground delay procedures due to a "shortage of air traffic control personnel," limiting the number of arriving flights. The average delay is about two hours, with some flights delayed by more than three hours. The Federal Aviation Administration's contingency plan indicates that if the staff shortage worsens or demand increases, a complete grounding may be implemented.
The Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing a funding crisis.
Also in dire straits are the 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Agriculture had planned to suspend disbursements of the $8 billion needed for the program starting last Saturday, until two federal judges ordered the government to maintain funding.
House Democratic Leader Hakim Jeffries of New York accused Trump and Republicans of attempting to "weaponize hunger." He pointed out that while the government managed to allocate funds to other priorities during the shutdown, it was passive in responding to court rulings requiring the distribution of nutritional assistance.
Jeffries bluntly stated on CNN's "State of the Union" program: "But they just can't find the funds to ensure that Americans are free from hunger."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant also appeared on CNN last Sunday and said, "The government is still waiting for clear guidance from the courts. The best way to get funding for the nutrition assistance program is to get five Democrats to cross party lines and restart the government."
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