The pressure to end the second-longest federal government shutdown is mounting as millions of Americans face lost food assistance, delayed paychecks, and travel disruptions.

The nation’s largest federal employee union, AFGE, urged Congress to pass a clean funding bill immediately, calling for an end to political gamesmanship.

Democratic senators, including Tim Kaine, are pressing for guarantees against mass federal layoffs and extensions of health plan subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

The shutdown, now entering its fourth week, threatens pay for 1.3 million active-duty service members and could leave 42 million Americans without food assistance, the AP has reported.

The Trump administration has rejected using contingency funds or reimbursing states to maintain benefits, heightening urgency for a resolution.