Government Shutdown Hits Record 36 Days as Bipartisan Talks Offer Hope for Breakthrough

Key Facts

Published: November 5, 2025 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Wire Services

• The U.S. government shutdown reaches 36 days, the longest in history.
• Bipartisan Senate talks intensify over a deal linking spending bills with Affordable Care Act subsidies.
• Federal aid programs like SNAP and WIC face funding crises amid court disputes.
• Trump urges GOP senators to end the filibuster to push through funding measures.

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News) – The government shutdown entered its 36th day Wednesday, the longest in U.S. history, as bipartisan negotiations in the Senate gained traction and lawmakers sought an off-ramp to reopen federal agencies.

The funding lapse, which began on October 1 after Congress failed to pass any of the 12 annual spending bills for fiscal year 2026, has paralyzed nearly every corner of the federal government. Hundreds of thousands of workers remain furloughed or unpaid, food aid programs are strained, and air traffic controllers are calling in sick, leading to flight delays nationwide.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) blamed Democrats for blocking temporary funding measures. “Right now, the Democrats fear political retribution from the far-left activists in their party more than they fear the consequences of keeping the government closed,” Johnson said.

Democrats, meanwhile, accused Republicans of prolonging the shutdown by refusing to negotiate while the government remains closed. “This is about to become exceptional in duration, but it was already exceptional in that we’ve never had a shutdown where one party isn’t trying to fix it,” said Sen. Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.).

Bipartisan Talks Take Shape

A bipartisan group of senators has been negotiating a path forward, combining a short-term spending measure with passage of several full-year appropriations bills that already cleared both chambers earlier this year.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said the effort focuses on advancing bills that fund the legislative branch and the departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs. “Beginning to break the logjam through doing that would be incredibly effective,” she said.

The talks also hinge on Democrats’ demand for extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire this year. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said his caucus had “a very good discussion” on Tuesday and is “exploring all options” for compromise.

Still, some Democrats remain skeptical. “A promise is not good enough for me,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “I’ve come to distrust so deeply this administration and this Republican leadership.”

Mounting Strain Across the Nation

The shutdown’s ripple effects are intensifying. SNAP benefits were suspended in November, prompting a surge in demand at food banks. While courts ordered the Trump administration to release contingency funds, the president announced Tuesday that the money will be distributed only after Democrats agree to reopen the government.

Programs such as WIC and Head Start are running out of emergency funds, and many federal employees have taken on second jobs to make ends meet. Outside groups–including airlines, unions, and travel industry leaders–have demanded an immediate end to the impasse.

“Hardworking Americans are being forced to pay the price,” said House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.).

Trump Pushes to End Filibuster

President Trump has urged Senate Republicans to invoke the “nuclear option” and scrap the legislative filibuster to push through funding and other priorities. He invited GOP senators to a White House breakfast on Wednesday to discuss the proposal.

“The Democrats are far more likely to win the Midterms and the next presidential election if we don’t do the termination of the filibuster,” Trump posted on social media.

But many Senate Republicans rejected the idea. “It’s probably very clear we don’t have the votes,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). “The filibuster protects minority rights.”

Political Fallout

An NBC News poll found that 52% of voters blame Trump and congressional Republicans for the shutdown, compared to 42% who fault Democrats. The same survey showed that 34% of Americans say they or a family member has been directly affected–the highest level recorded in decades.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) called the shutdown “the most severe” in U.S. history but said both parties will ultimately face accountability. “The public has a right to hold all of us responsible,” he said.

As bipartisan talks continue, optimism has grown that a deal could come by the weekend. “I think we’ve got a real shot,” said Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.). “People are tired of the stalemate. It’s time to get government back open.”

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