US Government Shutdown Nears Record 22 Days Amid Senate Vote Standoff

The 2025 U.S. government shutdown has extended into its fourth week, making it one of the longest in history, with nearly a million federal employees either furloughed or working without pay. Senate Democrats are demanding that any funding bill include an extension of healthcare subsidies, while Republicans insist on passing a short-term spending bill first, leading to repeated failed votes to end the shutdown. President Trump continues to back Senate Republicans and has criticized Democratic demands while preparing for foreign travel and trade discussions. The shutdown is causing financial strain nationwide, impacting programs like Head Start and WIC, and prompting Senate consideration of funding bills for federal employees still working during the shutdown. Prediction markets suggest the shutdown could last about 40 days, surpassing the previous record, and the Federal Reserve remains operational and poised to potentially cut interest rates due to delayed economic data. The shutdown has also coincided with notable movements in financial markets, including a rally in gold prices and volatility in cryptocurrency markets.