WASHINGTON — As the federal government shutdown enters its second month, Republican Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee is warning that the impasse could extend well beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, exacerbating economic pain and potentially disrupting holiday travel across the nation.
The shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has already surpassed previous records to become the longest funding lapse in modern U.S. history, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and halting a range of government services. Burchett, speaking on NewsNation on Friday, painted a grim picture of the ongoing stalemate.
"I think it's going to go on after Thanksgiving," Burchett said. "I think the pain is going to continue."
He attributed the prolonged deadlock to partisan divisions over health care subsidies, suggesting that resolution might only come if "three or four Democrats peel off" and agree to negotiate on expiring provisions under the Affordable Care Act. Burchett accused Democrats of prioritizing alliances with health insurance companies that benefit from the law, rather than focusing on public needs.
"The fight in Washington is not about taking care of people — it's about power and control," Burchett added. He emphasized that Republicans have positioned themselves by advocating for a clean continuing resolution to fund the government temporarily, while remaining open to broader discussions once operations resume.
Democrats, meanwhile, have pushed for their own solutions. On Friday, Senate Democrats introduced a short-term stopgap measure that included a three-bill "minibus" package and a one-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, according to reports from The Hill. However, Republicans swiftly rejected the proposal, labeling it a "nonstarter."
This rejection underscores the deep partisan rift in Congress, where negotiations have stalled amid demands from both sides. The shutdown's origins trace back to failed budget talks earlier this fall, with Republicans seeking spending cuts and policy riders, while Democrats insist on maintaining funding levels for key programs.
Economic analysts are increasingly sounding alarms about the fallout. In a note to clients, Goldman Sachs economist Alec Phillips projected that the ongoing shutdown could reduce U.S. GDP growth by more than a full percentage point in the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing it down to just 1%. This forecast highlights the broader implications for an economy already grappling with inflation and global uncertainties.
"The standoff could shave more than a full percentage point off U.S. GDP growth in the final quarter of 2025, cutting it to just 1%," Phillips wrote, according to the analysis.
Such economic warnings come as the shutdown's human costs mount. Federal employees, including essential workers like TSA screeners and air traffic controllers, are facing missed paychecks, which could lead to widespread disruptions. Analysts have drawn parallels to the 2019 shutdown, which lasted 35 days and ended only after airport delays and chaos pressured lawmakers to reach a deal.
With Thanksgiving approaching, concerns are growing that similar travel snarls could emerge nationwide if the impasse persists. Airports, already understaffed due to furloughs, might see longer lines and flight cancellations, affecting millions of Americans planning holiday trips.
President Donald Trump's approval ratings have also taken a hit amid the crisis. Recent polls indicate his favorability has dropped to a new low in his second term, as public frustration builds over the government's inability to function. The White House has repeatedly called for Congress to pass a funding bill, but cross-party blame continues to dominate the discourse.
Burchett's comments reflect a broader Republican strategy to hold firm on their demands, even as Democrats argue that the GOP's intransigence is prolonging the suffering. Historical context shows that government shutdowns, while not uncommon, often resolve through compromise, as seen in past instances like the 1995-1996 shutdown under President Bill Clinton or the 2013 lapse during Barack Obama's administration.
In those cases, economic pressures and public outcry eventually forced agreements, but the current situation, involving debates over health care and spending, appears more entrenched. Burchett's prediction of a post-Thanksgiving continuation adds to the uncertainty, with no immediate talks scheduled between party leaders.
Looking ahead, the potential for escalation remains high. If the shutdown drags into December, it could intersect with year-end holidays and further strain federal operations, including national parks, food inspections, and scientific research. Economists like those at Goldman Sachs warn that prolonged inaction could ripple into 2026, affecting everything from consumer spending to business investments.
As negotiations remain at a standstill, both sides continue to trade accusations. Democrats point to Republican refusal of their short-term fix as evidence of obstructionism, while figures like Burchett maintain that concessions on health subsidies are essential for any deal. The coming weeks will test whether holiday pressures or economic data can bridge the divide, or if the "pain," as Burchett described it, will indeed persist into the new year.