The ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown has officially become the second-longest in American history, entering its 22nd day on Wednesday with no resolution in sight — surpassing the 1995–1996 funding lapse.
Since October 1, Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked Republican efforts to reopen the government, with all but three members voting against a House-approved measure that would fund federal agencies through November 21.
The Senate is set to reconvene Wednesday to make another attempt to end the impasse, as Democratic leaders continue to call for direct negotiations with President Trump.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the president to meet and discuss a path forward, saying, “We urged him to meet with us, and we said we’ll set up an appointment with him any time, any place before he leaves.” Schumer has labelled the standoff the “Trump shutdown.”
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has maintained that no high-level talks will occur until Democrats agree to reopen the government. In a post on X, Johnson said President Trump is “ready and willing to meet with Leader Jeffries and Senator Schumer as soon as Schumer reopens the government.”
Similarly, Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed the prospect of negotiation, stating, “I don’t know what there is to negotiate. Open up the government first.” Thune said Republicans plan to keep calling votes on the seven-week stopgap funding bill, expecting Democrats to eventually give in.
Speaking at a White House meeting with congressional Republicans, President Trump accused Democrats of holding the process “hostage,” urging them to “vote for the clean bipartisan [continuing resolution] and reopen our government — it’s got to be reopened right now.”
Senator Schumer has demanded that Republicans include an extension of enhanced pandemic health insurance subsidies covering around 22 million Americans under the Affordable Care Act. The White House argued that those benefits don’t expire until December 31, suggesting there is time to negotiate once the government reopens.
The prolonged shutdown is already taking a heavy toll. About 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed, and the Trump administration has begun steps to permanently lay off thousands. If the deadlock continues, workers will miss their first full paychecks on Friday, while military personnel risk going unpaid by October 31.
This latest standoff surpasses the 21-day shutdown of 1995–1996, which occurred when President Bill Clinton vetoed a budget passed by a GOP-controlled Congress. The longest shutdown in U.S. history remains the 35-day lapse of 2018–2019, which also took place during Trump’s first term.
