Summary
A government shutdown in the United States happens when Congress does not agree on the budget, causing some federal operations to close. Since 1976, the U.S. government has experienced 10 shutdowns due to funding gaps. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019.
Key Facts
- A government shutdown means some federal services stop working because there is no budget agreement.
- Shutdowns occur when Congress misses the deadline to pass a budget or temporary funding bill.
- Before 1980, funding gaps did not result in shutdowns as agencies continued to operate.
- Since 1982, legal decisions have led to more frequent shutdowns when funding gaps occur.
- The U.S. government has had 10 shutdowns since 1976.
- The longest shutdown was 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019.
- Essential services like national security and air traffic control continue during shutdowns, but other services and workers are affected.
- Shutdowns typically resolve with a continuing resolution, a temporary funding measure while a budget is negotiated.
