US government shutdown enters day 36, becomes longest ever

The US federal government shutdown entered its 36th day on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record for the longest closure in American history, disrupting the lives of millions of Americans as federal programs are cut, flights delayed, and thousands of government employees remain unpaid across the country.

President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands on health insurance benefits until they agree to reopen the government.

Trump is scheduled to meet Republican senators on Wednesday morning but has yet to set a date for talks with Democrats.

The previous record for the longest government shutdown was also under Trump’s first term, when the government closed in December 2018 for 35 days over his demand for funding to build a wall along the US-Mexico border.

The ongoing shutdown has halted food assistance programs and other government services, while also threatening air travel operations.

Senate Majority John Thune said the current closure was not only the longest but also the most severe on record, according to the Associated Press.