The lengthy suspension of the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has become the longest in the country's history, exceeding the previous record of 35 days set in 2018-2019, reports RIA Novosti.
Reasons
On October 1, the new fiscal year began, but Congress was unable to agree on a budget. The Senate attempted fourteen times unsuccessfully to pass a temporary funding bill, with the dispute between Democrats and Republicans centered around the extension of subsidies for health insurance under Obamacare.
Consequences
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. economy could suffer losses of up to $14 billion, some of which will not be compensated.
National parks are closed, and the number of flights is being reduced due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. Businesses dependent on government contracts are losing revenue. In November, the food program supporting 42 million Americans will receive only half of the necessary funding.
Reaction
Donald Trump blamed the Democrats for the situation and stated that the administration is using the shutdown to optimize unnecessary programs.
Political scientist Keith Preston commented on the situation, noting that this crisis is a "new spectacle of partisan struggle," which highlights the vulnerability of American bureaucracy.
