Historical Government Shutdowns
Every major U.S. federal government shutdown since 1980 (when shutdowns became legally required)
Shutdown Duration Comparison
Cause
Deadlock over budget priorities including healthcare subsidies and Medicaid cuts
Impact
Ongoing shutdown. Non-essential operations suspended, federal employees furloughed or working without pay.
Cause
Dispute over $5.7B funding for Mexico-U.S. border wall
Impact
Longest shutdown in U.S. history. FBI investigations disrupted, airports closed due to TSA shortages.
Cause
Republican opposition to Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) funding
Impact
Reduced GDP by 0.6%. National parks closed, tourism industry lost millions.
Cause
Democratic demands for DACA policy protections
Impact
Brief shutdown over MLK weekend. Minimal disruption due to short duration.
Cause
Disagreement over Medicare cuts and spending reductions
Impact
Harmed Speaker Gingrich's career. Helped Clinton win re-election in 1996.
Cause
Dispute over tax increases and Medicare cuts
Impact
Occurred over Columbus Day weekend. National parks and Smithsonian closed.
Cause
Pressure tactic to speed up omnibus appropriations bill
Impact
Brief afternoon shutdown. All government agencies affected.
Cause
Opposition to water projects and civil rights measures in spending bill
Impact
Lasted only an afternoon. Congress removed opposed elements to end it.
Cause
Reagan vetoed bill with reduced spending cuts
Impact
First shutdown under Reagan. Affected multiple government departments.
Cause
Congressional delay of FTC funding to limit agency powers
Impact
First-ever shutdown due to budget dispute. Only affected Federal Trade Commission.