The United States government shutdown has now officially become the longest in the nation’s history, surpassing the previous 35-day record set during former President Donald Trump’s first term. Millions of Americans are bracing for widespread disruptions as federal operations remain largely halted.
Since Congress failed to approve new funding past September 30, approximately 1.4 million federal employees—including air traffic controllers and park rangers—have been furloughed or forced to work without pay. The deadlock has also left key welfare programs, such as food aid for low-income families, in limbo.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Wednesday that if the shutdown continues into its sixth week, the country could face major air travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and partial airspace closures. “If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy said during a press briefing in Philadelphia. “Mass flight delays, mass cancellations, and possibly closures of parts of the airspace are inevitable without sufficient air traffic controllers.”
The warning comes ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) projecting a record 5.8 million domestic travelers for the November 27 holiday. Over 60,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers are currently working without pay, and absenteeism could lead to severe airport delays reminiscent of the 2019 shutdown.
The standoff centers on a dispute over health care funding. Democrats have refused to approve a temporary funding bill until Republicans agree to extend expiring insurance subsidies that help millions afford coverage. Republicans insist that health care negotiations can only take place after the government is reopened.
Some moderate lawmakers from both parties are exploring bipartisan solutions. Recently, four centrist House members proposed a compromise framework aimed at reducing health insurance costs. Democrats hope public pressure from rising premiums will push Republicans to negotiate.
Meanwhile, former President Trump has remained defiant, telling CBS News he will “not be extorted” by Democrats. The administration has threatened to halt key welfare programs, including SNAP, which provides food assistance to 42 million Americans, though courts have blocked attempts to suspend it. The White House later clarified it is complying with legal requirements and working to deliver partial payments “as much as we can and as quickly as we can.”
As the shutdown continues, experts warn that federal workers, air travel, and essential social services could face increasingly severe disruptions, with no resolution yet in sight.
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