US Govt shutdown set to break record as senate fails to pass funding bill

THE US Senate on Tuesday again failed to approve a temporary funding measure, marking the 14th unsuccessful attempt and putting the federal government on course to surpass the 35-day record set during the 2018-2019 shutdown.

Xinhua reported today that the Republican-controlled Senate voted 54-44 in favour of a House-approved “clean” continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels through November 21. The bill required 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.

The shutdown has caused widespread disruptions, affecting sectors including aviation, healthcare, and food assistance, with its impact expanding and placing mounting pressure on livelihoods and the broader economy.

The Congressional Budget Office has warned that if the shutdown lasts eight weeks, it could cost the US economy US$14 billion.

Partisan tensions continue to deepen. Senate Majority Leader John Thune accused Democrats, saying, “But thanks to Senate Democrats, every day is getting worse for the American people.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer countered that Republicans are responsible for rising healthcare costs, noting that “Open enrolment is now upon us. Twenty-four million Americans are now making agonising decisions about healthcare.”

The shutdown has also disrupted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme, which serves 42 million Americans, or roughly one-eighth of the population.

Following judicial intervention, the Trump administration announced emergency measures to maintain half of SNAP benefits this month, while U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”

Public frustration with Congress is high. A recent Gallup poll shows approval of Congress has fallen to just 15 per cent, with nearly four out of five adults expressing disapproval of its performance.

“The polling I've seen suggests that nobody is happy with the shutdown or with either party,” said Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College. - November 5, 2025