The U.S. government shutdown entered its 34th day on Monday, marking the start of a new month without resolution and edging closer to becoming the longest in American history. If it continues beyond Nov. 5, it will surpass the 35-day shutdown of 2018–19.

Over 750,000 federal employees remain furloughed, with most government operations still paralyzed. Only essential workers—such as military personnel, border patrol agents, and air traffic controllers—are reporting for duty, often without pay.

The shutdown, triggered by disputes over Obamacare subsidies and the federal budget, continues to strain households and public services. Democrats are refusing to reopen the government until subsidies under the Affordable Care Act are extended to offset surging health insurance premiums. President Donald Trump insists the government must reopen before any health care negotiations take place.

Meanwhile, two federal judges have ordered the Biden administration to release $5.25 billion from contingency funds to resume partial payments under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves 42 million low-income Americans. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the payments “could” begin by Wednesday once legal and administrative steps are completed.

The crisis has also disrupted national parks, delayed public assistance, and deepened political divisions. Economists warn that continued gridlock could harm consumer confidence and delay economic recovery.

As Day 34 passes without compromise, both parties remain entrenched — Democrats demanding long-term healthcare protections, and Republicans urging budget passage without preconditions.