Shutdown has disrupted the lives of millions of Americans with federal programme cuts, flight delays and workers going without pay.
The US government shutdown became the longest ever Wednesday, topping the 35-day record set during Donald Trump’s first term, as his administration warned of holiday air travel chaos and threatened Americans’ benefits in a bid to force a resolution.
Federal agencies have been grinding to a halt since Congress failed to approve funding past September 30, and the pain has been mounting as welfare programmes – including aid that helps millions of Americans afford groceries – hang in limbo.
