Government Shutdown Threatens to Extend History's Longest Duration

Mon Oct 13 2025 22:36:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Speaker Mike Johnson expresses concerns over the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 13th day, potentially becoming the longest shutdown in U.S. history amid stalled negotiations with Democrats.

As the federal government shutdown reached its 13th day, Speaker Mike Johnson warned that without concessions from Democrats regarding health care demands, the situation may lead to the longest shutdown ever. Operations across various government sectors, including cultural institutions and airport services, have been disrupted. The debate centers around the renewal of Affordable Care Act subsidies critical for millions of Americans, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Speaker Mike Johnson of the House of Representatives has indicated that the current federal government shutdown, which has now persisted for 13 days, may become the longest in U.S. history. During a statement on Monday, he emphasized that he will not engage in negotiations with Democrats until they withdraw their demands related to health care and agree to reopen the government.

Standing alone at the Capitol, Johnson noted he was unaware of the extensive series of layoffs affecting federal workers, initiated by the Trump administration, a tactic seen as an attempt to use the shutdown to streamline government functions. Vice President JD Vance has hinted at impending 'painful cuts' as the standoff continues, even as various employee unions are moving forward with legal challenges.

Johnson's comments underscore the seriousness of the deadlock—“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” he stated. With an end potentially nowhere in sight, operations across numerous sectors have come to a standstill: government agencies are closed, flights have been disrupted, and federal landmarks like the Smithsonian museums are shuttered.

The House is currently out of session, with Johnson refusing to summon lawmakers for further discussions, while the Senate returned from holiday recess only to find itself mired in a stalemate. This impasse is mainly due to Democrats insisting on the continuation of health care subsidies for those who depend on federal aid to afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

As the end of the month approaches, Americans are facing critical decisions regarding health care enrollment—set to begin on Nov. 1—with potential increases in insurance costs becoming more probable if Congress does not renew aid by the end of the year. Many fear premiums could double, further complicating the already high stakes for many citizens.

During earlier governmental shutdowns, Congress found itself in a fierce battle over similar health care concerns surrounding the Affordable Care Act, a legacy issue since its implementation during President Obama’s administration. Johnson acknowledged the unlikelihood of fully operating under Republican repeal tactics, expressing skepticism about the possibility of overturning a deeply entrenched law.

While President Trump has taken measures to ensure military paychecks are distributed amidst the disruption—a move that alleviates one immediate concern—other sectors, particularly the Education Department, are feeling significant adverse effects. The Pentagon has reported utilizing available funds to continue compensating service members, creating a distinct disparity among agencies affected by the shutdown.

As it stands, the future remains uncertain, with pressure mounting on both parties to come to an agreement before the looming deadlines related to health care and payments for government employees. Congressional leaders, once optimistic about resolving the deadlock, now face a crucial test of leadership and bipartisan negotiation.