Millions suffer as US govt shutdown becomes longest on record

The US government shutdown hasentered its 36th day, breaking the record as the longesteverand disruptingthe lives of millions ofAmericanswith federal programme cuts, flight delays and federal workers nationwide left without paychecks.

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US President Donald Trump has refused to negotiate with Democrats over their demands to salvage expiring health insurance subsidies until they agree to reopen the government. But sceptical Democrats question whether the Republican president will keep his word, particularly after the administration restricted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food aid, despite court orders to ensure funds are available to prevent hunger.

With Trump largely on the sidelines, talks have intensified amonga loose coalition of centrist senators trying to negotiate an end to the stalemate. Expectations are high thatthe logjam would breakonce election results were fully tallied in Tuesday’s off-year races that were widely watched as a gauge of voter sentiment over Trump's second term in the White House. Democrats swept key contests for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and the New York City mayor’s race, which is certain to shake up the political assessments.