The government shutdown is now the longest ever
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The shutdown over President Trump's demand for border wall funds has broken the record for the longest stoppage in U.S. history. Today is Day 22, edging out the previous record of 21 days in 1995-96 under Bill Clinton.
The big picture: This could go on for a long time. Early in the 1995 shutdown, Clinton and Republican leaders were already talking about a deal to end their budget battles. But Trump isn't talking to Democrats anymore. And he's sounding less enthusiastic about the exit strategy he's been considering — declaring an emergency to build the wall without Congress — as Republicans have expressed serious doubts about it.
Here's the latest on the impact of the shutdown:
- 800,000 federal workers who are either furloughed or working without pay missed their first paychecks this week.
- The U.S. economy has lost about $3.6 billion so far because of the shutdown, according to estimates by S&P Global Ratings.
- Three federal employee organizations have sued the Trump administration over having to work without pay.
- Hundreds of TSA agents have called in sick to at least four major airports after being forced to work without pay, and the Miami airport was forced to close one terminal early for 3 days due to TSA absences.
- FBI agents said the shutdown could be a threat to national security.
- The Food and Drug Administration has suspended all routine inspections of domestic food-processing facilities.
- Emergency aid for farmers hurt by the trade war between the U.S. and China could be delayed.
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