Democrats have only hardened their position as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day, leaving Republican majorities in Congress with few answers — and many criticisms.

The ongoing government shutdown is the second-longest is history. But how will it, or can it, last? See history of shutdowns.

Already, some controllers have taken on second jobs to earn some cash to help them pay their bills while the shutdown drags on.

The GOP-backed bill would pay federal employees who are working during the government shutdown, with Republicans continuing to put pressure on Democrats to reopen the government.

The US federal government has been shut down for more than three weeks, with lawmakers no closer to a temporary funding deal.

A prolonged shutdown of the U.S. government amid a standoff over funding between Republicans and Democrats in Congress could dent economic growth in the fourth quarter, but much of the lost output would be recovered when normal operations resume.

Despite the challenges, the Trump administration has pointed to its efforts to reduce the national debt. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted on X that the government’s yearly deficit

Since the shutdown began, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has not been gathering the new data it needs to produce future reports, since its staff is furloughed.

Inflation data set for release Friday is expected to show inflation ticking up, offering this month’s only official glimpse of the economy amid the shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), discuss how the government shutdown is straining air traffic control operations and increasing travel risk.