The 'government shutdown' or government shutdown situation in the United States (US) has now entered its 36th day, making it the longest in the country's history.
This ongoing shutdown period breaks the previous record of 35 days during the previous term of President Donald Trump in 2019.
The US government shutdown began on October 1 following the failure of Congress to pass a funding bill for the 2026 fiscal year.
More than 700,000 federal workers were affected, with some being furloughed and others being ordered to work without pay.
The situation stems from the failure of Republicans and Democrats to reach an agreement to pass the bill.
In addition to many workers feeling the pressure, the US economy is said to have cost around $14 billion, recovery plans and the publication of economic data have been delayed, and investor confidence has declined.
President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have blamed Democrats for the failure of the talks, while political pundits have described the situation as an impasse that highlights the weaknesses of the budget system and policy deadlock in Washington.
The House and Senate are expected to hold crucial negotiating sessions in the coming days, but no firm date has been set for the government to reopen.
