The US government shutdown entered its second month on Friday, hitting millions of Americans as food aid, health care, and air travel falter.
What began on October 1 as a political standoff has spiraled into a nationwide crisis. Federal offices remain closed, workers are unpaid, and vital programs are collapsing. Republicans warned that this weekend will mark the shutdown’s harshest impact yet, with food stamps and health subsidies in jeopardy.
At the center of the dispute lies the expiration of insurance subsidies that support over 20 million Americans. Democrats refuse to reopen the government without a deal to restore them, while Republicans insist talks can begin only after the shutdown ends.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is nearly out of funds. A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered emergency payments, but the administration has yet to confirm compliance. WIC and “Head Start” programs are also at risk of closure.
Airports in New York and New Jersey faced major delays Friday due to reduced staffing, with wait times stretching up to five hours.
President Donald Trump blamed Democrats but promised to negotiate “very quickly” once the government reopens.
