Partisan Stalemate Results in $14 Billion Losses and 42 Million Facing Hunger as Shutdown Hits 35 Days

On November 4, 2025, the U.S. government shutdown reached its 35th day, matching the record for the longest shutdown ever, as ongoing partisan conflict between Democrats and Republicans continues to disrupt essential services for millions across the country. With no compromise in sight, the shutdown’s economic and social repercussions are escalating, ranging from interruptions in food assistance to widespread flight delays, and an estimated economic loss of $7 billion to $14 billion, according to

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The most urgent issue involves the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports 42 million Americans with low incomes. After the Trump administration suspended benefit payments due to a lack of allocated funds, a November 1 payment deadline was missed. Although a federal judge ordered the USDA to use emergency reserves to cover the benefits, the administration resisted, arguing those funds are intended for crises such as natural disasters. While states led by Democrats, including New York and Maryland, have provided emergency funding, SNAP recipients nationwide remain uncertain about future payments.

The shutdown has intensified existing economic pressures. The CBO projected that a shutdown lasting four weeks could lower GDP growth in the fourth quarter by 1 percentage point, and if it extends to eight weeks, the impact could reach 2 percentage points. The CBO also warned of potential permanent economic losses, estimating unrecovered GDP between $7 billion and $14 billion, depending on how long the shutdown lasts. Meanwhile, companies such as ICF International have reported direct financial setbacks, with monthly profits dropping by $2.5 million due to delays in federal contracts, as noted by

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The transportation sector has also been significantly affected. Air traffic controllers, who have been working overtime without pay, have caused major flight delays at key airports in cities like Boston, New York, and Dallas. The FAA has reported that several airports are experiencing average delays of two hours or more because of worsening staff shortages, according to

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On the political front, there is little indication of progress. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican leaders have placed the blame on Democrats, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has accused the Trump administration of deliberately withholding $5 billion in emergency funds. President Trump has urged Republicans to abolish the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule to resolve the shutdown, a proposal that moderate Republicans such as Lisa Murkowski and John Cornyn have opposed, as reported by the

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The human impact of the shutdown is becoming more apparent. Federal employees, including air traffic controllers and park rangers, are struggling financially without pay, while families dependent on SNAP and Head Start programs are left in uncertainty. As the impasse continues, the consequences grow more severe: a prolonged shutdown threatens to worsen economic hardship and further challenge a political system already strained by deep partisan divisions.