国际观察丨“极不光彩的纪录！”——美国停不下来的联邦政府“停摆”

Core Points - The U.S. federal government shutdown has reached its 36th day, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record of 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019 [1][2] - The ongoing shutdown is a result of escalating political conflicts between the Democratic and Republican parties, with both sides prioritizing political gains over addressing public welfare [1][3] Political Dynamics - The shutdown began on October 1 when the Senate failed to pass a temporary funding bill before government funds were exhausted, leading to a political stalemate primarily over healthcare and welfare spending [2][3] - The Republican party, particularly under Trump's influence, aims to use the shutdown to push for government downsizing and to expand executive power, while the Democrats are leveraging the situation to solidify their political agenda ahead of the midterm elections [2][3] Economic Impact - The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the prolonged shutdown could reduce the U.S. GDP growth rate by 1 to 2 percentage points in Q4, with each week of the shutdown costing approximately $15 billion [3][5] - The shutdown has severely affected various sectors, including food assistance programs, healthcare, and transportation, leading to significant disruptions in services and economic activities [3][4][5] Historical Context - The phenomenon of government shutdowns has become increasingly common in U.S. politics, with 15 instances recorded since 1980, and the current situation reflects a growing trend of political polarization and dysfunction [6][7] - Previous shutdowns have typically lasted only a few days, but recent events indicate a shift towards longer and more contentious standoffs between the two parties [6][7] Public Sentiment - Public opinion polls indicate widespread dissatisfaction with both parties, with a significant majority of Americans feeling that neither party is addressing their needs effectively [8][9] - The ongoing shutdown has led to a decline in trust towards Congress, with approval ratings dropping to 15%, highlighting a growing disconnect between elected officials and the electorate [9][10] Governance Issues - Analysts attribute the recurring shutdowns to systemic governance failures, suggesting that the budgetary process in Congress requires substantial reform to prevent future crises [9][10] - The current political climate reflects a lack of willingness among elected officials to compromise, resulting in a governance model that increasingly fails to serve the public interest [9][10]