US government shutdown becomes longest in history, Senate deadlock drags on

The government shutdown in the United States (U.S.) has entered its 36th day, marking the longest-ever government shutdown in American history.

President Trump signed a bill to end funding lapse on the evening of 35th day, however, the senate failed for the 14th time to advance a House-passed continuing resolution to end the stalemate thus extending the shutdown, surpassing the previous 35 day record of 2019.

US government shutdowns started in the 1980s when the attorney general ruled that it was illegal for government departments to continue spending without approval of Congress. There have been 15 shutdowns in the last 45 years.

Government operations halted after President Donald Trump failed to break a budget impasse during tense negotiations that hinged on Democratic demands for health care funding.

Republicans have blamed Democrats for the government shutdown with many claiming that the latter were waiting for November 4 election results.

Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin has expressed hope that the shutdown will end this week.

Previously, a federal court ordered President Trump and his administration to uphold SNAP benefits for millions of Americans and to use contingency funds for this purpose.

The White House has said that they are complying with order and providing benefits under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.