Washington: The U.S. federal government has now entered its twenty-fifth day of a shutdown, making it the longest in American history. The impasse began on October 1 after Congress failed to pass the necessary appropriations bills for the 2026 fiscal year. Ongoing disagreements between the Republican and Democratic parties over federal spending, health insurance subsidies, and foreign aid have kept a resolution out of reach.

As a result, around 900,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while another 730,000 continue working without pay. This includes 1.3 million active-duty military personnel and over 750,000 National Guard and reserve members. Some federal workers went without pay for the first time on October 24, and if the shutdown continues through December 1, approximately 4.5 million paychecks could be delayed, amounting to nearly $21 billion in lost wages.

Legislative attempts to end the shutdown have repeatedly failed. The Senate rejected funding bills for the eleventh time on October 23, with Democrats demanding an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and Republicans insisting that government funding be approved first.

The shutdown has had broad economic consequences. Experts estimate daily losses of around $800 million due to halted federal contracts and reduced consumer spending. Essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are also at risk of funding shortfalls if the shutdown continues into November.

National security operations have not been spared. The National Nuclear Security Administration furloughed 1,400 employees, raising concerns over delays in nuclear reactor testing. Critical personnel remain active to maintain security, but the reduced workforce poses significant challenges.

Public services have been affected as well. Tours of federal buildings, including the Capitol, White House, and FBI headquarters, have been canceled, and Smithsonian museums have temporarily suspended operations.

With no agreement in sight, federal workers and ordinary citizens continue to face uncertainty. The government shutdown has put pressure on essential services, disrupted daily life, and added mounting strain to the national economy, with both parties showing little sign of compromise.