Today's Edition
WASHINGTON (AFP)
The US government shutdown entered its 35th day on Tuesday, matching a record set during President Donald Trump's first term, as lawmakers voiced optimism over progress behind the scenes to end the dispute.
The federal closure appears almost certain to become the longest in history, with no major breakthroughs expected before it goes into its sixth week at midnight -- although there were fragile signs in Congress that an off-ramp is closer than ever.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune set the buoyant mood music on Monday when he told reporters he felt "optimistic" that newly energised talks could end in a deal before next week.
The government has been grinding to a halt since Congress failed to approve funding past September 30, and pain has been mounting as programmes - including food aid relied on by millions of Americans - hang in limbo.
Some 1.4 million federal workers -- from air traffic controllers to park wardens -- have been placed on enforced leave without pay or made to work for nothing, while vital welfare programs and even paychecks for active-duty troops are under threat.
Some lawmakers -- including Thune and Johnson -- are hoping a slew of elections taking place in New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and California on Tuesday will provide the momentum they need to reopen the government.
But both sides remain dug in over the main sticking point -- health care spending.
Democrats say they will only provide votes to end the funding lapse after a deal has been struck to extend expiring insurance subsidies that make health care affordable for millions of Americans.
But Republicans insist they will only address health care once Democrats have voted to switch the lights back on in Washington.
