By Noah Jennings
The government shutdown has become the longest in the country’s history. The shutdown began on Oct. 1, when Republicans and Democrats could not come to an agreement to pass a bill funding government services.
The previous record was 35 days, taking place under President Donald Trump’s first term and stretching from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 25, 2019.
That record was broken on Nov. 5, after the U.S. Senate failed a vote to reopen the government for the 14th consecutive time the day prior.
Many U.S. government services are temporarily suspended due to the shutdown, resulting in 1.4 million federal employees being on unpaid leave or working without pay.
University of Louisville student Grayson Provencher offered his thoughts on the shutdown.
“I think it’s completely preventable and it can be stopped right now,” said Provencher. “I think people are being fed the wrong information because they’re blaming it on the wrong party.”
According to a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, 45 percent of registered voters find President Trump and other Republicans in Congress responsible for the government shutdown. 39 percent blame Democrats, and 11 percent believe both parties are responsible.
U of L Professor Karen Hadley expressed concerns about how Democrats are handling the shutdown.
“I’m glad that Democrats finally stood up for something they believe in; however, I wish they were providing rationales for why they did it,” said Hadley. “Currently, the Republican narrative for why the Democrats voted against the proposal is carrying the media’s attention.”
Democrats demand that the bill include an extension for expiring tax credits to make health insurance cheaper for Americans. They also want a reversal of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid.
While Republicans currently have majority in both chambers of Congress, they are short of the 60 votes needed to pass the bill in the Senate. This gives Democrats some negotiating power.
Despite numerous talks about reopening the government by politicians, Provencher is still skeptical.
“I think there’s maybe a chance that there could be some turn around with the recent elections [Tuesday],” said Provencher. “But I think until Republicans agree to show up to a vote, nothing’s going to happen.”
Hadley echoed Provencher’s thoughts.
“As far as I understand, we really have no indication that it’s going to end anytime soon, although I’m pleased with the results of [Tuesday’s] election,” said Hadley.
The 2025 elections saw key victories for Democrats, including the New York City mayoral race, the Virginia and New Jersey governor races, and the California redistricting measure, Proposition 50.
This has put pressure on Republicans, as they now only hold a 219-214 majority in the U.S. House. Trump blames the shutdown for the GOP’s losses.
Government services that have been affected by the shutdown include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. On Nov. 1, SNAP payments were paused, leaving more than 40 million Americans without money for food.
The Trump Administration announced they would restart SNAP benefits, but with only half the usual payment.
The Federal Aviation Administration began reducing flights due to the shutdown. They ordered 40 airports to cut 10% of their flights starting on Friday, Nov. 7.
The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International were listed among the 40 selected.
