Senate Stalemate Makes U.S. Shutdown Longest on Record

Negotiations focus on a temporary funding plan constrained by disputes over health subsidies, duration.

Overview

The Senate failed for a 14th time to advance a short‑term funding bill, with a 54–44 procedural vote falling short of the 60 votes needed.
With no agreement reached, the partial government shutdown that began on October 1 has surpassed the 35‑day 2018–2019 record.
Lawmakers are weighing a new continuing resolution that could run to December 19 or mid‑January, as Democrats push to include extended health‑insurance subsidies and Republicans resist tying subsidies to stopgap funding.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said health‑care spending talks can occur only after the government reopens, and President Donald Trump said SNAP benefits would be issued only once funding is restored.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of widespread flight cancellations and delays within a week if the shutdown continues, while the Washington Post reported internal guidance suggesting backpay may be limited to those who worked, as the CBO estimates about 650,000 furloughed employees, roughly 600,000 working without pay, and $7–$14 billion in GDP losses depending on duration.