The shutdown, which has broken the record for the longest in U.S. history, has left many Americans wondering when exactly the government will reopen its doors.

Even lawmakers on Capitol Hill don’t have the answer.

Though there have been bipartisan negotiations in the Senate, no agreement has been finalized that would satisfy both parties. Democrats have demanded an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. They have repeatedly blocked a Republican stopgap measure, that would fund the government till Nov. 21, from advancing in the upper chamber.

There are, however, a few variables that could change the course of the shutdown fight. These include the return of House lawmakers, President Trump deciding to strike a deal with members across the aisle or Democratic centrists agreeing to reopen the government as the shutdown intensifies.

If — or when — these variables will come into play remains a mystery. Here are five unanswered questions in the shutdown fight.

What pain point finally moves lawmakers?

Thus far, none of the expected pressure points or deadlines — including federal workers missing paychecks, flight delays, and the upheaval around food assistance — have moved lawmakers to act.

The Trump administration has found money thus far to pay military servicemembers and fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

But more pain could be coming.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered 40 “high traffic airports” across the country to reduce their flight operations by 4% on Friday, as air traffic controllers work without pay and staffing shortages overtake air traffic facilities. The number could increase to 10% by Nov. 14 if the funding lapse continues, the FAA said. Hundreds of flights had been cancelled on Friday as airlines complied with the directive.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who himself

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