The US government shutdown enters its 22nd day, setting the second longest record in history.

The US government entered its 22nd day of shutdown on Wednesday, making it the second longest in history, with no end in sight. It is worth noting that the two longest government shutdowns in US history have both occurred during Trump's presidency. The longest government shutdown in US history occurred in December 2018, lasting nearly 5 weeks, when a standoff in Congress was triggered by Trump's demand for funding for his immigration policy. This shutdown is due to the Democratic Party in the Senate refusing to vote on a short-term funding bill proposed by the Republicans, citing the lack of provisions for increased healthcare spending. The Democrats are demanding an extension of enhanced tax subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, otherwise the health insurance premiums of millions of Americans will significantly rise in 2026. The Republicans accuse the Democrats of "holding the government hostage" and refusing to negotiate on healthcare issues. While the Republicans hold the majority in the Senate with 53-47 seats, any funding bill requires 60 votes to pass. The temporary funding resolutions passed by the House have failed 11 times in the Senate. Last Thursday, a funding bill proposed by the Republicans for only military spending was also rejected in a procedural vote. Senate Majority Leader McConnell stated after meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday, "We have negotiated, I don't know what else there is to talk about. This is to get the government reopened. We have given them multiple off-ramps, but what the Democrats are proposing is completely unacceptable." The Democrats are calling for Trump to personally intervene in the negotiations to end the shutdown. When asked if Trump would communicate with the Democrats, McConnell responded, "Eventually, yes, but we must first reopen the government."