The U.S. government shutdown reached Day 36 on Wednesday, officially becoming the longest in American history — surpassing the previous 35-day record set under President Donald Trump in 2019.

The latest shutdown, now stretching into its sixth week, has seen little to no progress on Capitol Hill. Republicans and Democrats remain locked in a political standoff: Democrats continue to insist on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, while Trump and GOP leaders say they will not negotiate until the government fully reopens.

Meanwhile, the consequences for millions of Americans are escalating sharply.

More than 42 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are at risk after federal funding dried up. The administration has pledged only partial payments.

Millions of ACA recipients saw their monthly premiums surge when open enrollment began on Nov. 1 — in some cases spiking by as much as 300%.

The shutdown is also straining the nation’s air travel system. Major airports are reporting long delays amid staffing shortages, with thousands of air traffic controllers currently working without pay. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown persists, the country could face “mass chaos” and the possible closure of some airspace.

With no compromise in sight, the shutdown’s political and economic fallout continues to deepen, affecting everyday life for tens of millions of Americans.