The federal government shutdown enters its second month, with Day 34 marking a critical juncture. The crisis, now the second-longest in history, could soon become the longest if lawmakers don't reach an agreement to fund federal agencies. The administration's stance on tapping into a contingency fund for SNAP benefits has shifted, influenced by recent court rulings. President Trump's interview on '60 Minutes' revealed his willingness to negotiate subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), a key point of contention. However, most Democrats refuse to reopen the government until these subsidies are secured, despite Trump's assertion that he won't 'do it by extortion.' The shutdown's impact extends to federal workers, with over 750,000 furloughed and only essential employees, like military personnel and law enforcement, required to work. The Treasury Secretary hints at partial SNAP payments by Wednesday, while Trump instructs lawyers to find legal avenues for funding. The longest government shutdown in history lasted 35 days, and the current crisis could tie or surpass this record. The outcome hinges on negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, with the former pushing for tax breaks for Obamacare enrollees and the latter open to addressing the issue separately from the budget impasse.
