The 2025 federal government shutdown has now extended beyond 36 days, making it the longest in U.S. history, with widespread impacts felt across the nation. Approximately 670,000 federal employees have been furloughed without pay, while another 730,000 continue working without compensation. Additionally, over 1 million active military personnel and 750,000 National Guard and reserve members are serving amidst this pay uncertainty.
This shutdown has caused critical delays, including in food assistance programs, with millions reliant on SNAP benefits facing scarcity for the first time in decadesThe current government shutdown is not only the longest in U.S. history but is also poised to be the most detrimental…Approximately 1.4 million federal workers are not receiving their salaries…42 Million — The number of people awaiting food stamp benefits.
.@SamaritansPurse and @BGEA are offering lunch to federal workers who have been going without a paycheck—free of charge every day until the government shutdown is over. Watch… pic.twitter.com/56m7e5Gext
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) November 3, 2025
Economically, the shutdown is projected to reduce U.S. GDP growth by 1 to 2 percentage points in the fourth quarter, with estimates indicating up to $14 billion in costs may be permanently lost. Spending delays could reach as high as $74 billion if the shutdown continues for eight weeks, encompassing furloughed worker pay, unspent government programs, and SNAP benefits.
The shutdown also hampers vital government data collection, affecting economic forecasting and policy decisions. Despite legal guarantees of back pay for furloughed workers, uncertainty remains as political conflicts stall negotiations for reopeningGoldman Sachs predicts…the shutdown’s effects…and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) forecasts…Letters in October indicated economic losses reaching billions…The government has likely postponed $33 billion in spending during the first month of the shutdown….
Federal workers face emotional stress and financial hardship amid threats and contentious labor relations, while essential service personnel remain on duty without compensation. Political blame between parties exacerbates the stalemate, prolonging the crisis with no clear resolution in sight.
Millions of Americans endure delayed paychecks, suspended benefits, and service disruptions, highlighting the critical need for a bipartisan solution to end the shutdownWorkers have been forced to budget around missed paychecks…Federal workers serve the people…Abigail Jackson…placed the shutdown blame solely on Democrats while denying responsibility for the political impasse.