The United States government shutdown entered the record books on Wednesday as the longest in history, surpassing the 35-day closure during Donald Trump’s first term, with federal services paralyzed and millions of Americans caught in the fallout.
The shutdown began after Congress failed to approve funding beyond September 30, leaving 1.4 million federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. The standoff has disrupted key agencies and left vital welfare programs — including food aid for millions — in limbo.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the crisis persists, air travel could descend into “mass chaos” with cancellations, delays, and possible airspace closures due to staff shortages.
“So if you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos…you will see mass flight delays,” Duffy said during a news conference in Philadelphia.
The warning comes as Thanksgiving air travel is projected to reach record levels, with 5.8 million Americans expected to fly, according to the American Automobile Association. More than 60,000 air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers are already working without pay, raising fears of widespread absenteeism.
A similar “sick-out” by airport workers was one of the factors that pushed Trump to end the 2019 shutdown.
Despite the growing strain, Democrats and Republicans remain divided over health care funding — the main issue blocking a deal. Democrats insist they will only vote to end the shutdown once an agreement is reached to extend subsidies that make health insurance affordable for millions of Americans. Republicans argue that such talks can only happen after funding is restored.
While congressional leaders on both sides have shown little willingness to compromise, a few moderates have begun exploring possible off-ramps. A bipartisan group of four House members this week unveiled a framework aimed at lowering insurance costs.
Democrats believe rising premiums will eventually pressure Republicans to negotiate, especially as Americans begin enrolling in new health plans. But Trump has remained defiant, telling CBS News that he would “not be extorted.”
The White House has sought to intensify pressure by threatening job cuts and warning of disruptions to federal benefits. On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his administration’s threat to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps 42 million Americans buy food.
The move was temporarily blocked by two courts, and officials later clarified that the administration was “fully complying” with legal orders while trying to process partial payments “as much as we can and as quickly as we can.”
As the shutdown extends deeper into November, frustration continues to mount across the country — with no clear end in sight.