The political crisis in Washington has intensified as the United States government shutdown enters its 22nd day, impacting the lives of over two million federal employees. The impasse has now become the second-longest shutdown in American history.
A severe deadlock persists in Congress, with no signs of an agreement between Democrats and Republicans. At the heart of the crisis is a dispute over healthcare funding.
According to news agencies, Democrats are strongly pushing for an extension of healthcare subsidies. They argue that millions of Americans could lose access to medical treatment if these subsidies are allowed to expire.
On the other side, President Donald Trump and the Republicans are insisting that the government must be fully reopened before any negotiations on health funding can begin.
The human cost of this political standoff is becoming increasingly clear. According to US media, approximately 2.3 million government employees are either being forced to work without pay or have been sent on compulsory leave (furloughed), creating significant financial distress for their families.
Economists have issued warnings that if this situation continues, it could cause serious damage not only to the affected workers but to the broader US economy.
