RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The federal government shutdown has officially become the longest in U.S. history, and the ripple effects continue to be felt across the Commonwealth.

As the shutdown reaches day 36, VCU political science professor Dr. John Aughenbaugh said the stalemate in Congress reveals a deepening political divide that shows no signs of easing.

“It really does reflect the kind of sort of hyper-partisan nature of American politics today,” Aughenbaugh said. “In the past, members of Congress would be having negotiations on a pretty regular basis. Then they would be negotiating with the president’s budget team. That’s not even occurring.”

The consequences aren't just political, they're also personal for many Virginian families who've been feeling the strain.

According to a White

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