The political deadlock in Washington has played out for the 22nd time, with this record-breaking 40-day shutdown once again showcasing the paralysis of American governance to the world. "It seems we are very close to ending the 'shutdown'," U.S. President Trump stated to the media upon returning to the White House on November 9, 2025. At this point, the U.S. federal government had entered its 40th day of shutdown, setting a new record for the "longest shutdown in history."
On the same day, the U.S. Senate reached an agreement to end the federal government "shutdown." This political deadlock, which began on October 1, finally showed signs of thawing.
However, during these 40 days, the U.S. economy suffered billions of dollars in losses, the social safety net was on the brink of collapse, and global markets were shaken. This marks the 22nd "shutdown" of the U.S. federal government since 1976.
1. Record-Breaking Deadlock
● On the evening of November 10, local time, the U.S. Senate passed a temporary funding bill aimed at ending the government "shutdown." This bill will fund the government until January 30, 2026. This record-breaking shutdown began at midnight on October 1, 2025. Severe disagreements between the Democratic and Republican parties over the temporary funding bill for the 2026 fiscal year led to the budget not being passed on time.
● The core dispute centered on government subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. The Democrats demanded an extension of the healthcare subsidies set to expire at the end of this year, while the Republicans firmly opposed it.
● During the shutdown, the Senate rejected Republican temporary funding proposals 14 times, with the two parties locked in a stalemate until a compromise was reached on November 9.
2. Multiple Costs
This longest government shutdown in U.S. history has caused significant losses to the American economy and society.
Economic Impact is Far-Reaching.
● The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if the federal government shutdown continues for another week, the economic loss will reach $11 billion.
● A memo from the White House Council of Economic Advisers warns that a prolonged shutdown could result in approximately $15 billion in GDP loss each week.
● More profound impacts include the suspension of key economic data releases such as inflation and employment, leaving capital markets and Federal Reserve officials in a "blind flying" state without data guidance.
Impact on Livelihoods.
● The U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) covers about 42 million people, roughly 1/8 of the total U.S. population, and its funding was exhausted on October 31.
● The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which subsidizes heating for low-income families, also faces risks of delayed funding, benefiting about 5.9 million households.
Air Traffic Chaos.
● The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a 10% reduction in flight volume at 40 major airports across the U.S.
● Data from U.S. flight tracking websites show that on November 9, thousands of flights were delayed, and over 2,900 flights were canceled.
Dilemma for Federal Employees.
● About 750,000 federal employees were forced to take unpaid leave, while many "essential personnel" continued to work without pay.
● The Bipartisan Policy Center estimates that if the shutdown continues until December 1, the total unpaid wages will reach $21 billion.
3. History Repeats Itself
Government shutdowns in the U.S. are not a new phenomenon. Since the U.S. Congress officially implemented the budget process in 1976, the government has shut down more than 20 times.
● 2018-2019: Due to the prolonged inability of the Democratic and Republican parties to reach a compromise on funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, parts of the federal government "shut down" for 35 days.
● 2013: The federal government shut down for 16 days due to escalating conflicts between then-President Obama and Republicans over "healthcare reform."
● 1995-1996: During President Clinton's administration, the federal government shut down twice for a total of 27 days, with one instance lasting 21 days, becoming the longest government shutdown in the 20th century.
● 1981: The first true government "shutdown" occurred when then-President Reagan demanded an $8.4 billion reduction in government spending. Because the budget reduction agreement reached by Congress did not meet his demands, Reagan vetoed the budget bill and closed the federal government.
From a historical perspective, the frequency and duration of government shutdowns in the U.S. have been increasing, indicating a growing phenomenon of political polarization.
4. What’s at the Root?
Why does the U.S. government repeatedly shut down? The root cause lies in the design of its political system and the intensification of contemporary political polarization.
● Defects in the Budget Process. The funding for the U.S. federal government should come from annual budget appropriations. The two parties in Congress are typically expected to pass new annual appropriations bills before the new fiscal year begins on October 1, usually including 12 appropriations plans.
In the absence of timely agreements, Congress usually passes temporary appropriations bills to keep federal government agencies running. However, "due to ongoing partisan battles, at least since the 21st century, no fiscal year has begun with both chambers of Congress completing the appropriations process."
● Intensified Political Polarization. Professor Wei Zongyou from Fudan University's American Studies Center analyzes: "Since the 1990s, the Democratic Party's stance has shifted further left, while the Republican Party has become more conservative, leading to sharp divisions on many policy issues."
"Both parties are keen on implementing 'veto politics,' viewing compromise as a betrayal of their own ideals and identities, which directly results in difficulties in reaching consensus on key issues such as government funding."
● Political Interests Above National Interests. Wei Zongyou points out that during this shutdown, the Republican Party used the government "shutdown" to continue pushing for cuts to government employees and reductions in projects and agencies supported by the Democrats;
The Democrats, on the other hand, hope to prove their political viability to voters by holding firm. "Both sides believe they hold 'trump cards' and attempt to shift the blame for the government 'shutdown' onto each other."
The dawn of government reopening is in sight, but the deep-seated issues in American politics remain unresolved. As Professor Zhang Jiadong from Fudan University's American Studies Center states, "Historically, the end of a shutdown has always involved mutual understanding and concessions between the two parties, but this time, due to the high stakes, the Republican Party may not agree to a full extension of healthcare subsidies."
Even if this shutdown ends, it merely pauses the next budget battle. The temporary appropriations bill only provides funding for the federal government until January 2026, at which point the same political drama is likely to unfold again.
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