U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Day 13, Treasury Secretary Says It's Beginning to Affect National Economy
　　The U.S. federal government shutdown entered its 13th day on the 13th, with Treasury Secretary Besant stating that this round of shutdown has begun to impact the national economy.

　　Speaking on a Fox Business program that day, Besant noted that "the situation is worsening," and the government shutdown is starting to affect the real economy and people's lives. To ensure military salaries are paid, the federal government has had to suspend wages for other federal employees and workers at service agencies, including staff at museums and the National Zoo under the Smithsonian Institution.

　　The Smithsonian Institution announced on its website that dozens of its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo would all close starting the 12th due to the government shutdown. The National Zoo's website stated that the animals "will continue to be fed and cared for," but animal live streams would be suspended.

　　The impact of the federal government shutdown continues to spread across the United States. U.S. media reported that a shortage of air traffic controllers has led to increased flight delays, with nearly 8,000 flights delayed and over 270 canceled across the country on the 12th. The shutdown is also affecting the distribution of farm subsidies and loans for small businesses. The delayed release of federal economic data has made it difficult for companies to plan for the future.

　　The USA Today website reported that the National Flood Insurance Program, relied upon by millions of Americans, is "facing paralysis" due to the shutdown. Many people are unable to secure mortgage loans because they cannot obtain federal flood insurance, and numerous homeowners may face the Atlantic hurricane season—which can last two months or longer—without flood insurance coverage.

　　House Republican Speaker Johnson continued to blame Democrats for the fiscal deadlock that triggered the shutdown on the 13th, warning that the U.S. is "rapidly heading toward the longest government shutdown in American history." House Democratic Leader Jeffries said on the 12th that Democrats are willing to negotiate, but Republicans remain "steadfast in their position."

　　Senate Republican Leader Thune stated that since the 13th is a U.S. public holiday, the Senate would reconvene on the 14th, with an eighth vote on the temporary funding bill expected that evening.

　　U.S. media pointed out that as the shutdown approaches its third week, both parties remain unwilling to compromise on core disagreements such as healthcare-related spending, making the prospect of a swift compromise unlikely.