The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history, reaching its 36th day on Wednesday as Congress remains without an approved federal budget.

Previously, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history had occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term in office, leaving many federal operations largely halted for more than five weeks over the 2018–2019 year-end period.

The duration of the shutdown will depend on whether both sides can reach a deal.

The Senate is expected to hold further votes today, while the House of Representatives, the other chamber of Congress, was not scheduled to meet this week, though it could convene given the circumstances.

The shutdown has left the government without funds for ongoing operations.

Federal spending has effectively stopped, putting the work of many agencies and offices at risk.

Only those agencies deemed essential are exempted.

It is also becoming increasingly noticeable in everyday life in the U.S.

Many federal government employees have not been paid since October; as a result, there are long queues at airports because check-in procedures are not running as usual.

Those who depend on food aid currently have to wait longer for it. Institutions classified as non-essential have had to close or send their employees on compulsory leave.

The U.S. Congress should have agreed on a new federal budget by the end of September; however, a draft transitional budget proposed by Mr Trump’s Republican Party did not receive the necessary majority.

A proposal by the Democrats had previously failed.

(dpa/NAN)