The US government shutdown, now in its 23rd day, has become the second-longest on record, behind the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019. The current impasse stems from a partisan dispute over ending health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, with Democrats demanding relief for the 22 million Americans who will face higher premiums in January.
President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans met at the White House on Tuesday, but the meeting appeared to strengthen the GOP’s resolve to reject negotiations.
“Our message was very simple: We are not going to be blackmailed into this crazy conspiracy of theirs,” Trump said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries requested a meeting with the president before his trip to Asia, but Trump said he would meet after the shutdown ends.
Legislative distance
The Senate needs at least eight Democratic votes to overcome a filibuster on the temporary spending bill that passed the House and is set to expire on Nov. 21. Senate Republican Leader John Thune has promised Democrats a vote on renewed ACA subsidies once the government reopens, but Democrats remain skeptical.
“The bottom line is this is not a deal, this is a partisan plan that leaves the American people high and dry,” Schumer said.
Economic disruption is mounting
Civilian federal workers who were partially paid earlier this month will miss their first full payday on Friday, deepening economic tensions.
The White House has warned that emergency — and potentially illegal — accounting measures may not be enough to keep paying the military or prevent disruptions to federal food aid next month.
Meanwhile, the administration canceled or suspended $28 billion in federal projects, mostly in Democratic-majority states, and attempted mass layoffs at domestic agencies, including Education, Health and Human Services, and Interior. Court rulings have temporarily halted the layoffs while disputes over the legality of spending cuts during the shutdown continue.
Historical context
The 2025 shutdown is now the second time since 1980 that US administrations began laying off federal workers during budget gaps:
2018-2019: 35 days – Longest shutdown sparked by dispute over Trump’s $5.7 billion border wall request. Ended January 25, 2019.
2025: 23 days – Current shutdown focused on health care subsidies.
1995-1996: 22 Days – Clash between the Republican Congress and President Bill Clinton over a balanced budget.
2013: 16 days – part of a broader dispute over the health care law and the national debt under Obama.
1995: 6 Days – A short prelude to a longer hiatus in 1995-1996.
1990: 3 days – Controversy over deficit reduction under President George HW Bush.
2018: 3 days – Early blackout triggered by immigration protections for Dreamers.
