U.S. Government Shutdown Enters 38th Day, Disrupting Air Travel and Food Assistance
As of November 7, 2025, the United States federal government shutdown has reached its 38th day, marking the longest in the nation’s history. The impasse has led to significant disruptions across various sectors, notably in air travel and food assistance programs.
Air Travel Delays and Cancellations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported substantial staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, resulting in delays at eight major airports, including Atlanta, San Francisco, Houston, Washington, and Newark. The FAA has requested airlines to cancel 4% of flights at 40 high-traffic airports, totaling over 700 flights. Delays vary by airport, reaching up to 83 minutes, with more than 2,300 flights delayed overall. The 38-day government shutdown has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents to work without pay, leading to increased absenteeism—between 20% and 40% of controllers daily, and up to 80% in New York. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has urged controllers to continue working despite the circumstances, emphasizing the public impact of their absence.
Food Assistance Programs Affected
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which aids 42 million low-income Americans, has faced funding challenges due to the shutdown. The USDA had planned to halt payments starting November 1 due to insufficient funding. However, federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled that the USDA must use its $5.25 billion in contingency funds and explore additional funding sources to maintain benefits. Despite these rulings, payments have been delayed, and it’s unclear how much each household will receive. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also received a $450 million boost to maintain operations. Beneficiaries express concern over food insecurity, with some relying increasingly on food banks. States are implementing their own solutions using taxpayer dollars to help fund benefits. Further delays or partial payments are likely in December if a resolution isn’t reached.
Political Stalemate Continues
President Donald Trump has renewed calls for Republican senators to eliminate the Senate filibuster rule to resolve the shutdown. Addressing GOP lawmakers at a White House breakfast on November 5, Trump argued that removing the filibuster would allow the Republican majority to swiftly approve legislation and reopen the government. However, Republican senators remain hesitant, concerned that Democrats would exploit the rule’s removal if they gain control. Despite these concerns, Trump dismissed fears of a Democratic majority, insisting that abolishing the filibuster would secure Republican power through popular legislative wins. He also attributed recent GOP election losses to the ongoing shutdown, which he conceded had impacted the stock market, airlines, and food assistance programs like SNAP. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate and a narrow lead in the House.
As the shutdown persists, its effects continue to ripple across the nation, affecting millions of Americans and various sectors of the economy. The need for a resolution grows more urgent with each passing day.
