Context:

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is now tied with the 2019 shutdown as the longest in history, with significant effects beginning to emerge. Over 1 million federal workers are affected, facing unpaid wages, while low-income Americans are experiencing disruptions in food aid and other services. The shutdown is expected to incur substantial economic costs, estimated at $7 to $14 billion in its first month alone, with delayed spending compounding the issue. The lack of federal operations is creating gaps in essential services, from health data collection to travel and mortgage processing. As negotiations remain stagnant, the situation is likely to persist, raising concerns about long-term implications for affected individuals and the economy.

Dive Deeper:

• More than 1 million federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay, with some contractors also affected as they are not guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends. Essential workers, like air traffic controllers, continue to work, leading to increased staffing shortages and travel delays.

• Around 42 million people are experiencing reduced benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as the government lacks sufficient reserve funds to cover the monthly $8 billion typically disbursed. This disruption is increasing reliance on food banks.

• Obamacare premiums are rising significantly, with some enrollees facing potential increases of over 100% as the shutdown complicates negotiations over the extension of enhanced subsidies.

• The Congressional Budget Office projects that the first month of the shutdown could cost the economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, with a total of $33 billion in delayed spending attributed to the shutdown.

• Federal data collection has been halted, complicating economic assessments and limiting the Federal Reserve's ability to make informed decisions regarding interest rates.

• National parks remain open but are understaffed, relying on volunteers to maintain operations as the shutdown affects various federal services including the processing of marriage licenses in Washington, D.C.