The Los Angeles Post

Government shutdown reaches its 40th day

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LAPost / Los Angeles (November 9, 2025) — The U.S. federal government’s shutdown has now stretched into its 40th day, marking the longest such disruption in American history.

🔍 What’s happening

  • Since the shutdown began on October 1, federal agencies have remained unfunded after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution to finance government operations.

  • More than 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed or are working without pay. Essential services—such as food assistance, air travel operations and some public safety functions—are increasingly disrupted.

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered airlines to trim schedules at dozens of major U.S. airports due to staffing shortages among air‐traffic controllers, with potential cuts of up to 10 % or more ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

⚠️ Economic & human consequences

  • Federal workers, now weeks without pay, are reaching a breaking point. Many contractors and subcontractors tied to federal funding are also seeing delays or cancellations.

  • The economy is already feeling the strain. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the fallout “is getting worse and worse,” as uncertainty stalls consumer confidence and business investment.

  • Food assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are being disrupted—states face funding gaps, and millions of people receiving benefits are under threat of shortfall.

🏛️ Political standoff remains

Senators returned to Washington for a rare weekend session, hoping to break the impasse, but few signs of progress emerged. Key sticking points include:

  • A Republican plan to reopen parts of the government through January while only funding other segments for a full year.

  • Democratic demands to extend health plan subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 
    Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “We’re only a handful of votes away,” though both sides admit the path forward remains uncertain.

🧭 Outlook

With the shutdown entering day 40:

  • Travel disruptions are likely to worsen ahead of the holiday season.

  • More federal workers and their families may face hardship.

  • The longer the standoff continues, the greater the risk of long-term damage to government functionality and public trust.

Until Congress passes a funding deal—or at least a temporary resolution—this shutdown will continue to cast a widening shadow over both everyday Americans and national operations.