Longest U.S. government shutdown in history continues after Senate vote fails

Senators were unable to approve a bill that would pay federal employees who have been forced to work without pay during the shutdown.

Democrats refused to yield to Republican efforts to fund parts of the federal government without offering significant concessions in return.

The shutdown — now the longest in U.S. history — will therefore continue, affecting millions of Americans nationwide, from major air travel disruptions to uncertainty over key federal assistance programs.

The motion to end the shutdown failed by a vote of 53–43, with three Democrats joining Republicans in support of the measure.

The federal pay bill, introduced by Republican Senator Ron Johnson, was rejected even after Republicans agreed to include Democrats’ requests to compensate federal employees and the hundreds of thousands of workers placed on unpaid furlough.

The failed vote underscored that the long-running deadlock in Congress remains unresolved. Just days earlier, Republican leaders had believed Democrats were close to accepting a proposal to hold a future vote on healthcare subsidy funding.

Meanwhile, the shutdown’s impact on U.S. air travel continues to grow. According to the Associated Press, around 1,000 flights have been canceled nationwide as a result of disruptions caused by staff shortages and air traffic control issues.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delayed flights at six major airports, citing air traffic control difficulties.

Further cancellations are expected next week as the FAA enforces service reductions at the nation’s busiest airports.

Many air traffic controllers, who have gone nearly a month without pay due to the prolonged shutdown, have requested leave because of mounting financial pressure — leading to even more staff shortages.

As some travelers scrambled to book alternative plans and rental cars, the Friday flight cancellations represented only a small portion of total nationwide flights.

Still, passengers at more than 40 airports, including major hubs in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, and Charlotte, North Carolina, faced last-minute cancellations, long lines, and widespread disruption as the economic impact of the shutdown deepened.