The United States government shutdown has officially become the longest in the nation’s history, surpassing the 35-day record set during former President Donald Trump’s first term, as millions of Americans brace for widespread disruptions.
Federal operations have largely ground to a halt since Congress failed to approve new funding past September 30, leaving 1.4 million federal workers, including air traffic controllers and park rangers, either furloughed or working without pay. The prolonged deadlock has left several key welfare programs in limbo, including food aid that supports millions of low-income families.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Wednesday that if the shutdown continues into its sixth week, the country could face major air travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and closed airspace. “If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos,” Duffy said during a press briefing in Philadelphia. “You’ll see mass flight delays, mass cancellations, and possibly closures of certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it without air traffic controllers.”
The warning comes as the Thanksgiving travel period approaches, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) projecting a record 5.8 million domestic flyers for the November 27 holiday. Over 60,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers are currently working without pay, and officials warn that growing absenteeism could cause severe airport delays, similar to what forced the Trump administration to end the 2019 shutdown.
At the center of the standoff is a dispute over health care funding. Democrats are refusing to approve a stopgap funding bill until Republicans agree to extend expiring insurance subsidies that keep health care affordable for millions of Americans. Republicans, on the other hand, insist that health care discussions can only happen after Democrats vote to reopen the government.
While both parties’ leaders remain entrenched, some moderate lawmakers from both sides have begun exploring bipartisan solutions. A group of four centrist House members recently proposed a compromise framework aimed at lowering health insurance costs. Democrats believe that public pressure will increase as Americans face rising health insurance premiums, forcing Republicans to the negotiating table.
Despite mounting pressure, Trump has remained defiant, telling CBS News that he would “not be extorted” by Democrats. The administration has since threatened to halt key welfare programs, including SNAP, the federal aid program that helps 42 million Americans afford groceries though courts have blocked attempts to suspend it. The White House later clarified that it was complying with legal requirements and working to deliver partial payments “as much as we can and as quickly as we can.”
As the shutdown drags on, experts warn that the impact on federal workers, air travel, and critical social services could become increasingly severe, with no clear resolution yet in sight.
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