As the nation endures its longest-ever full government shutdown, Washington’s leaders are scarcely acting like it’s an emergency. The House has been dark for more than a month under Speaker Mike Johnson, the Senate is mired in symbolic votes, and the president is preoccupied with a White House ballroom project and an Asia trip. The standoff began Oct. 1 over extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. Republicans demand reopening first; Democrats want a Trump guarantee. Pressure mounts as 1.4 million workers miss pay, SNAP benefits are threatened, and Senate efforts to pay employees fail.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.