US government shutdown may last weeks

THE bitter tribalism that drove the US into a government shutdown is putting compromise out of reach, analysts say - and threatening to turn a staring contest between the Democrats and Donald Trump’s Republicans into a protracted crisis.

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US SENATE Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a press conference at the US Capitol Building. I AFP

(AFP)

As the nation enters its second week with federal agencies paralysed, multiple strategists with vivid memories of previous standoffs said the president and his foes could be in it for the long haul.

“It's possible this shutdown drags on for weeks, not just days,” said Andrew Koneschusky, a former press secretary for Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader at the centre of the latest deadlock.

“Right now, both sides are dug in and there's very little talk of compromise.”

At the heart of the showdown is a Democratic demand for an extension of health care subsidies that are due to expire - meaning sharply increased costs for millions of low-income Americans.