Partisan Dispute on Healthcare Subsidies Leaves Government Stalled in 35-Day Shutdown

On November 4, 2025, the U.S. government shutdown reached its 35th day, equaling the longest in American history, as the standoff between Democrats and Republicans shows no sign of resolution. The impasse, rooted in disputes over federal funding and the continuation of pandemic-era healthcare subsidies, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal employees missing paychecks and has interrupted essential government services. As the Senate prepares for a 14th vote on a temporary funding measure supported by Republicans, both parties remain firmly opposed, raising concerns about economic consequences and increasing public dissatisfaction.

This shutdown echoes the 35-day closure of 2018-2019, which was sparked by a disagreement over then-President Donald Trump’s request for $5.7 billion to build a border wall. The current deadlock arises from Democrats’ insistence on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies, set to expire at the end of December, before agreeing to any funding bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., admitted that the November 21 deadline in the House-approved bill is no longer realistic, indicating a move toward a more extended funding plan. “That date is off the table,” Thune remarked, expressing willingness to consider funding the government into early 2026, as reported by an

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The financial impact continues to grow. The Congressional Budget Office projected that a shutdown lasting four weeks could cut fourth-quarter GDP growth by one to two percentage points, with losses potentially reaching $1.4 billion if the closure extends to eight weeks, according to

. Many federal employees, now dependent on paycheck advances or food aid, have become the face of the crisis. At the same time, food assistance programs such as SNAP are functioning at half their usual capacity, leaving millions struggling to purchase food. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned last week that military salaries could be jeopardized by November 15 if no agreement is reached, as