US Government Shutdown Sets Record: 36 Days

The partial shutdown of the federal government in the US ("shutdown") has become the longest in the country's history. The crisis, which has been ongoing since October 1, has now lasted for 36 days, surpassing the 2019 record of 34 days and 21 hours.

At the heart of the crisis are the deep disagreements over the budget between Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Democrats oppose provisions proposed by Republicans which, they argue, "hinder low-income Americans from receiving state subsidies to obtain medical insurance."

The "shutdown" has directly affected 1.4 million federal employees, who are forced to work without pay or have been sent on unpaid leave.

In addition to social problems, the government's idleness is having serious economic consequences. According to official estimates, the reduction in spending could cost the US economy 1-2% of its GDP. This will also have a negative impact on the global economy. In the first 8 weeks alone, the European Union could lose 16 billion euros due to the lack of new import permits.

It should be noted that to resolve the crisis, at least 60 votes are needed in the Senate, whereas the Republicans have only 53.