The federal government shutdown is the longest in history. The impasse is rooted in a deep partisan stalemate. Republicans blaming Democrats and Democrats blaming Republicans. This has forced furloughs, stalled economic data, and disrupted essential services. Families across the country are feeling the impact: delayed benefits, halted programs, and mounting uncertainty. Even though both parties are pointing fingers, Democrats own the shutdown since they failed to vote for the continuing resolution to reopen it. At a time when stability and trust in public life needed more than ever, the failure of our political leaders to agree to fund the government signals a deeper crisis in public responsibility. Americans should expect more than gridlock. They deserve a government that functions and fulfills its fundamental duties.