Overview
- The lapse in funding has become the longest on record, with no transition budget enacted and core agencies operating at reduced capacity.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said continued staffing shortfalls could trigger closures of parts of U.S. airspace next week, leading to widespread delays and cancellations.
- FAA reports show 20–40% controller absences at major airports, tens of thousands of delays since October 1, and industry estimates of more than 3.2 million passengers affected.
- Democrats insist on extending health-insurance subsidies to reopen the government, while President Trump resists, refuses additional SNAP funding without a deal, and urges ending the Senate filibuster.
- Senate leaders signal quiet talks and cautious optimism for a compromise, but millions face interrupted food aid and hundreds of thousands of federal workers are furloughed or unpaid.