Government Shutdown Becomes Second-Longest in US History: 4 Things to Know

Although Republicans have a majority in both houses of Congress, Senate Democrats are blocking the funding bill by denying a 60-vote margin for passage.

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Oct. 20, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The government shutdown that started on Oct. 1 has entered its fourth week and is now the second-longest in U.S. history.

At Day 22 of the shutdown, Democrats and Republicans have remained at odds. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has been speaking on the Senate floor for more than 17 hours to protest the Trump administration’s policies.