The longest shutdown in U.S. history is official on Wednesday, Nov. 5, as bipartisan efforts in the Senate to reopen the federal government continue to flounder in the now five-week-old budget impasse.
The Senate voted for a 14th time to advance a bill to end the stalemate on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with Democrats demanding an extension of expiring federal tax credits to help Americans pay for private health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say the government must reopen before healthcare talks begin.
"I think there are people who realize this has gone on long enough, there's been enough pain inflicted on the American people, and it's time to end it," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who told reporters he remained optimistic about finding an "off ramp."
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The current shutdown began just after midnight on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass a new budget, marking the fourth shutdown during a Trump presidency.
