Source: ABC News live coverage, Nov 2025.
WASHINGTON — The federal government entered its 34th day of shutdown Monday, leaving millions of Americans uncertain about food assistance, travel, and federal services. According to ABC News, the continuing stalemate in Congress has halted funding for critical programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides grocery benefits to more than 40 million people nationwide.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said over the weekend that he had spoken with former President Donald Trump “multiple times” about the SNAP crisis, calling the situation “unprecedented.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture told a federal court it is roughly $4 billion short of what’s needed to cover November benefits and that any emergency workaround could take “a few weeks to up to several months.”
Meanwhile, air travel is feeling the strain. Delays have been reported across multiple airports as staffing shortages among air-traffic controllers and federal aviation workers ripple through the system.
If the impasse continues into mid-November, this shutdown will surpass the 35-day record set in 2018–2019. Lawmakers have floated a short-term proposal to keep the government open through Nov. 21, but as of Monday, no agreement had been reached.
The prolonged closure underscores the mounting political and economic pressure on Washington — and on families waiting for paychecks, benefits, and certainty.
Local Impact: In Ohio, agencies that process SNAP and unemployment benefits are operating with reduced staff. Residents who rely on food assistance are encouraged to check with county Job and Family Services offices for local updates.
This article includes information from ABC News’ live-updates coverage of the federal government shutdown.