How we got to the longest US shutdown in history

This shutdown, which began on 1 October, is the longest in US history - today is its 43rd day.

But how did we get to this point?

The disagreement 

The shutdown resulted from Senate Democrats refusing to vote for a short-term government funding bill because it lacks additional spending on healthcare and other provisions.

The problem

To pass the bill, Republicans needed a supermajority of 60 of 100 votes in the Senate. They only have 53 senators.

The timeline

• 1 October:  The government shuts down after Congress failed to agree on a funding bill;
• 4 November:  The Senate fails to pass a proposed short-term funding bill for the 14th (and last) time;
• 5 November:  The shutdown surpasses a 2018 shutdown of 35 days to become the longest in history;
• 9 November:  Eight Democratic senators cross party lines and vote with Senate Republicans to advance a compromise funding bill;
• 10 November:  The Senate passes the bill via a 60-40 vote.

What Democrats wanted

Democrats want any funding bill to extend enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, without which health insurance premiums for millions of Americans could rise significantly in 2026. Those credits are set to expire at the end of the year.

What Republicans have said

Republicans have accused Democrats of holding the government hostage and have refused to negotiate on healthcare issues until after the shutdown is over.

What the public says

A majority of voters have blamed the Republicans more for the shutdown.

In a YouGov poll published on Monday, 35% blamed Republicans, while 32% blamed the Democrats. In all, 36% said the shutdown affected them at least somewhat - up from 21% a month ago.

In other polls, a clear majority has repeatedly backed the Democrats' demand for the bill to extend health insurance subsidies.

The deal

Eight Democratic senators crossed party lines on Sunday after negotiating behind closed doors. Passed on Monday, the bill will keep the government funded through to 30 January.

It gives no guarantee on the future of tax credits, but offers assurances that a vote will be held no later than mid-December.

The final vote

The House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, is expected to vote on the bill today, which would give it the final green light.

Republicans need a simple majority of 218 votes. They hold 219 seats over the Democrats' 213 seats.