Partisan Gridlock Costs Billions, Leaves 42M Without Food Aid in 35-Day Shutdown

The U.S. government shutdown, now in its 35th day, has tied the record for the longest-ever closure, disrupting critical services and leaving the October non-farm payroll data unreleased, according to a TradingView report. With no resolution in sight, the impasse has deepened divisions between Republicans and Democrats, while millions face the ripple effects of halted programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The shutdown, which began on October 1, has paralyzed federal operations, straining public trust and exacerbating economic uncertainty, as shown in a NBC News video.

The stalemate centers on disagreements over funding priorities, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) pushing for a bipartisan deal. However, repeated attempts to pass a short-term funding bill have failed, including a 54-44 Senate vote on November 4 to advance a measure that would have kept the government open until November 21, as detailed in CBS News live updates. Other outlets report the Senate has blocked similar measures, highlighting the prospect of a record-breaking shutdown in coming days in a LiveMint report. Democrats, meanwhile, demand negotiations on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, a demand Republicans have rebuffed, according to the Wall Street Journal. "We're getting close to an off-ramp," Thune said, though progress remains elusive, an observation cited in other coverage.

SNAP benefits, a lifeline for 42 million Americans, have become a flashpoint. The Trump administration initially refused to use $4.65 billion in emergency funds to cover partial November benefits, citing a $4 billion shortfall. However, a federal court ordered the partial payments, leading to a reversal. President Donald Trump later doubled down, vowing to withhold SNAP benefits entirely until Democrats "open up government," contradicting his administration's earlier compliance with the court order, as reported by ABC News live updates and in coverage by Business Insider. This shift has left recipients in limbo, with states reporting delays in distributing half the usual benefits, according to a Xinhua report.

The economic toll is mounting. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the shutdown could cost $14 billion if it lasts eight weeks, with sectors like aviation and small business loans hit hardest. Air traffic controller shortages have caused flight delays, while unpaid federal workers increasingly rely on food banks, a trend noted in several outlets. Meanwhile, the absence of the October non-farm payroll report—a key economic barometer—has left analysts without critical data to gauge labor market health, compounding uncertainty in financial markets.

Public frustration is growing. A Gallup poll shows congressional approval at a historic low of 15%, with 79% of Americans disapproving of how lawmakers are handling the crisis, as previously reported by Xinhua. Political analysts note the shutdown's zero-sum nature, with both parties trading blame. "Nobody's happy," said Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor, highlighting the bipartisan failure to prioritize stability.

As the shutdown threatens to surpass the 2018-2019 record, negotiators scramble for a compromise. A bipartisan proposal to extend health insurance subsidies for two years has emerged, but its Senate prospects remain unclear. For now, the nation braces for deeper disruptions, with no end in sight.