US House Speaker Mike Johnson has warned that the ongoing government shutdown could become the longest in American history, as talks between Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over healthcare funding.
The impasse threatens to deepen economic disruption and stall key federal services.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Johnson said he would not engage in talks with Democrats until they dropped their demands related to healthcare subsidies — the main sticking point behind the shutdown.
“We’re barreling toward one of the longest shutdowns in American history,” Johnson said, emphasizing that his party will not compromise until Democrats “suspend their unreasonable policy demands.”
The shutdown, now entering a critical phase, has already halted several federal operations, with both sides blaming each other for the stalemate.
Trump and Republicans stand firm
Former President Donald Trump has echoed Johnson’s hardline stance, vowing to cut what he called “Democrat programmes” if the party refuses to drop its healthcare conditions.
Earlier this year, Republicans passed a massive tax and spending bill that could result in the loss of healthcare coverage for more than 15 million Americans — a move Democrats now want to offset by extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
However, Republicans insist that such discussions should take place only after the government is reopened, a position Democrats have dismissed as unreliable.
Federal institutions begin to shut down
As the shutdown continues, the impact is spreading across major national institutions. On Sunday, the Smithsonian Institution — which operates museums, libraries, and the National Zoo in Washington, DC — announced it was closing all 21 museums and research centers temporarily.
The Smithsonian, which receives 62% of its funding from the federal government, said the closures were unavoidable as operational funds run out.
Meanwhile, the US military confirmed it would redirect unspent research and development funds to ensure service members continue receiving pay during the shutdown.
Public frustration and polling divide
Recent polls indicate that American voters are divided over who bears responsibility for the crisis. Roughly equal blame has been placed on Democrats, Republicans, and Trump himself for allowing the shutdown to escalate.
Vice President JD Vance has warned that more “painful” cuts could be ahead, even as government employee unions prepare legal action to challenge mass layoffs initiated by the Trump administration.
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