The federal government shutdown under the Trump administration has now entered its 37th day, making it the longest in U.S. history and underscoring the escalating stakes of the budget impasse.

Key Developments

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a plan to reduce air‑traffic by approximately 10 % in some of the country’s busiest markets beginning Friday. The move is intended to maintain safety amid staffing and funding shortfalls caused by the shutdown.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed a federal court that the monthly food‐aid programme known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will cover roughly 65 % of normal November benefits — an increase from an earlier projection of 50 %.

Meanwhile, President Trump has stepped up pressure on GOP senators to abolish the filibuster rule in the Senate — arguing that ending the 60‑vote threshold would allow faster resolution of the shutdown. Many Senate Republicans remain opposed, deepening intra‑party tensions.
Impacts and Stakes

For many Americans, the consequences of the shutdown are increasingly concrete:

Federal workers remain without pay or full certainty about when they will receive it.

Air travellers are facing potential delays and fewer flights due to FAA staff and funding strains.

Low‑income households relying on SNAP benefits are facing reduced assistance, raising hunger and hardship risks.

Politically, the impasse is hitting the Republican Party at a vulnerable moment, particularly as recent elections have shown voter dissatisfaction.

What’s Holding It Up?

At the core, the funding deadlock remains rooted in the lack of agreement between the GOP‑controlled House and the Democratic Senate/White House on how to reopen the government. President Trump has framed the impasse as one of leverage — refusing to “be extorted” into a compromise he views as unfavourable.

On the Senate side, the filibuster remains a major block. Republicans hold just 53 seats and would still need Democratic or independent votes to end debate and pass a spending resolution — unless the 60‑vote rule is eliminated. Trump’s call to scrap the filibuster is being met with resistance, as GOP leadership fears it could undermine future legislative control.

What to Watch Next

Will Senate Republicans relent and negotiate to reopen the government, or will the shutdown drag on further?

Will the FAA’s reduction in flight capacity begin to noticeably affect travel, and what ramifications might that have for business and logistics?

What is the real social impact of the SNAP payment reduction — and will additional court orders force the administration to resume full benefits?

Could the mounting political pressure translate into concessions or a breakout moment in Congress?