The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its 40th day on November 9, marking the longest closure in the country's history.

The shutdown, which began on October 1, was triggered by Congressional failure to reach a new funding agreement. It has left thousands of government workers without pay and millions of Americans without essential services, disrupting multiple areas of daily life such as food assistance, air transportation and healthcare.

According to statistics, about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 airport security screeners are currently working without pay. With more employees taking leave, the civil aviation sector is facing a serious man power shortage, resulting in widespread flight delays in many regions and increased risks to aviation safety.

CGTN Stringer visited airports to interview air traffic control personnel and stranded passengers. Ana Lucia Hume, staff member at Miami International Airport, says this is an urgent issue that needs to be resolved, as pilots' mental health has already been affected. If the situation continues, she thinks it could lead to operational difficulties for airlines or even aircraft malfunctions. Passenger Connor Lotte shared his personal experience at John F. Kennedy International Airport, saying, "It took us nearly two hours just to get through immigration. The line in the terminal stretched for almost a mile, and some people even fainted because of the long wait."