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Government closures are a repeat element in American political life – however the current situation appears especially difficult to resolve because of political dynamics and deep-seated animosity among both major parties.

Certain federal operations are temporarily suspended, with approximately 750,000 employees likely to be placed on furlough without pay since both political parties remain unable to reach consensus on a spending bill.

Votes aimed at ending the impasse have repeatedly failed, and it is hard to see a clear resolution path in this instance as each side – as well as the President – perceive advantages in maintaining their positions.

Here are several key factors in which things feel different currently.

1. For Democrats, it's about Trump – not just healthcare

The Democratic base has been demanding over recent periods for their representatives more forcefully fights the Trump administration. Currently Democratic leaders has a chance to demonstrate they have listened.

In March, Senate leader faced strong criticism after supporting a Republican spending bill and averting a government closure in the spring. This time he's holding firm.

This is a chance for Democrats to demonstrate their ability to reclaim certain authority from an administration pursuing its agenda assertively with determined action.

Refusing to back the Republican spending plan carries electoral dangers that the wider public may become impatient as the dispute drags on and impacts accumulate.

Democratic representatives are using the budget standoff to highlight concerns about expiring health insurance subsidies and GOP-backed government healthcare cuts for the poor, both facing public opposition.

They are also trying to curtail the President's use of presidential authority to rescind or withhold money approved by Congress, which he has done with foreign aid and other programmes.

Second, For Republicans, it's an opportunity

The President and one of his key officials have openly indicated their perspective that they smell a chance to make more of the cutbacks in government employment implemented during in the Republican's second presidency to date.

The nation's leader personally stated recently that the shutdown provided him with a "unique chance", and that he would look to cut "Democrat agencies".

The White House stated they would face the "unenviable task" involving significant workforce reductions to maintain critical federal operations if the shutdown continued. The Press Secretary described this as "fiscal sanity".

The scope of the potential lay-offs is still uncertain, though administration officials have been consulting with federal budget authorities, the budgeting office, under the leadership of the key official.

The budget director has previously declared the halting of government financial support for regions governed by of the country, such as NYC and Chicago.

3. There's little trust on either side

Whereas past government closures typically involved extended negotiations among political opponents aimed at restoring government services running again, there appears to be little of the same spirit for compromise presently.

Instead, there is rancour. The bad blood persisted recently, with Republicans and Democrats blaming each other for causing the impasse.

House Speaker from the majority party, charged opposition members with insufficient commitment about negotiating, and maintaining positions during discussions "for electoral protection".

Simultaneously, the opposition's chief made similar charges at the other side, saying that a majority party commitment regarding health funding talks after operations resume can not be taken seriously.

The President himself has inflamed the situation through sharing a computer-created controversial depiction of the Senate leader along with another senior opposition figure, where the legislator is depicted with a large Mexican-style sombrero and a moustache.

The representative with party colleagues called this racist, a characterization rejected by the Vice-President.

4. The US economy faces vulnerability

Experts project approximately two-fifths of the federal workforce – over 800,000 workers – to be put on unpaid leave as a result of the government closure.

This will reduce consumer expenditure – with broader economic consequences, as environmental permitting, delayed intellectual property processing, payments to contractors and other kinds of government activity connected to commercial interests cease functioning.

The closure additionally introduces fresh instability into an economy currently experiencing disruption from multiple factors including tariffs, earlier cuts to government spending, immigration raids and technological advancements.

Economic forecasters project that it could shave approximately 0.2% from national economic expansion for each week it lasts.

However, economic activity generally rebounds most of that lost activity following resolution, similar to recovery patterns caused by a natural disaster.

This might explain partially why financial markets have shown limited reaction to the ongoing impasse.

On the other hand, experts indicate should the President carries out proposed significant workforce reductions, economic harm might become extended in duration.