The United States government is at a standstill.

The ongoing federal government shutdown has surpassed the record for the longest in US history.

Beating the 2019 record set under the first Trump administration overnight, this shutdown is the third to occur under the leadership of US President Donald Trump.

Thousands of workers have been left without pay, and millions more face an uncertain wait for money to buy food.

Here are some of the key numbers.

36 days β€” How long the shutdown has lasted

The shutdown began on October 1.

Under the US system, Congress must agree to a spending plan, which the president then signs into law.

If it can't do that before the previous budget expires, the government shuts down.

This time around, Republicans and Democrats are deadlocked on healthcare benefits, with both sides blocking each other's stopgap measures in the Senate.

Democrats want an extension to tax credits under the Affordable Care Act β€” subsidising health insurance for millions β€” which are set to expire by the end of the year.

While Republicans control both chambers of Congress, they are short the 60 votes they need to get their spending plan over the line.

This is the 11th governme

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