ByChris Dobstaff,
Forbes Staff.
The government shutdown has officially entered its 36th day, becoming the longest federal funding lapse in U.S. history—surpassing the 35-day shutdown that took place during President Donald Trump’s first term in office.
Millions are feeling the impacts: SNAP benefits used by roughly 42 million Americans will only be partially funded for November. Beyond the recipients themselves, even a short lapse in benefits could slow consumer spending—the Department of Agriculture estimates that every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.
Meanwhile, the usual holiday travel anxiety looms even larger this year. Nearly half of all major air traffic control facilities are facing staffing shortages, according to the FAA, while a shortage of TSA agents has led to increased security wait times at major airports. On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that U.S. air travel would see “mass chaos” if the government shutdown goes on another week.
