US President Donald Trump has now overseen the two longest government shutdowns in the modern history of his nation.
An ongoing shutdown entered its 24th day on Friday, after it became the second-longest federal funding lapse ever earlier in the week.
Here's a look at how the shutdown is playing out across America.
How does this shutdown compare to previous ones?
The longest occurred in 2018, during Mr Trump's first term as president and went for 34 days.
Here's a look at the duration of all previous shutdowns.
[LINK: Government shutdowns table]Why do shutdowns happen?
They tend to happen when there is a disagreement over the federal budget.
Congress has full control over how federal funding is allocated.
To decide where money goes, politicians vote on appropriations bills.
Once a bill is passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, it is handed over to the president to sign it into law.
If the next year's budget has not been approved before the current one expires, a government shutdown will likely occur, because without funding, departments cannot operate.
Why has this shutdown gone on so long?
Politicians are at an impasse over healthcare benefits.
Democrats say they will not vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate with them on extending tax credits under the Affordable Care Act that have subsidised health insurance for millions of Americans.
Republicans say they will not negotiate until Democrats reopen the government.
Duelling bills that would have ensured federal workers were paid wages during the shutdown period were put forward by each party on Thursday, but they were both blocked by politicians in the Senate.
How is the shutdown affecting Americans?
Money for essential services that keep the US running is drying up.
Low-income earners rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to afford groceries.
The federal government shares the cost of the program with states by sending them funds on a monthly basis.
October benefits were not impacted because that funding was sent before the current shutdown started, but if the impasse continues, its effects will be felt in November.
Several states, including Texas and New York, have warned SNAP recipients would lose their access to benefits from November 1.
About 41.7 million people received monthly benefits from the program in 2024, according to government data.
Some state governors have begun working to fill the gaps that would be created by the lack of federal funding.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency on Thursday, which he said would allow him to use emergency funds to make food accessible for residents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday he would fast track $US80 million ($123 million) to support food banks while the federal shutdown drags on.
Government workers are going without pay for the duration of the shutdown, too.
While some are still expected to work, they will not get paid for their time until after the shutdown ends.
Others, who have been furloughed, will not be paid at all for the shutdown period.
How do shutdowns affect travel?
Air travel has been delayed at airports across the country due to issues with air traffic control staffing.
About 13,000 air traffic controllers are required to continue working without pay during the shutdown, but many are calling in sick.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday flights were being delayed by an average of 62 minutes at New York's LaGuardia Airport as a result of the absences.
Officials are concerned those delays could get worse over the weekend, with air traffic controllers set to miss their first full pay cheque on Tuesday.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called on those workers to "come to work, even if you don't get a pay cheque".
He said air traffic controllers have been forced to choose between paying their mortgage or other bills.
"I cannot guarantee you your flight is going to be on time; I cannot guarantee your flight is not going to be cancelled," Mr Duffy said.
Several tourist attractions are also inaccessible as the shutdown draws on.
In Washington, DC, the Smithsonian museums, research centres and the National Zoo have all been shuttered.
National Park Service rangers are on furlough, meaning some roads and public facilities in national parks across the country are closed.
ABC/AP/Reuters
