The current government shutdown still lacks a clear resolution, with lawmakers remaining at an impasse heading into the weekend. Nevertheless, it is already on track to become one of the nation’s longest ever.
The situation, and the Senate is not scheduled to vote on the matter again until . By then, this shutdown would be recognized as the fifth longest in U.S. history.
Below is information regarding the government shutdowns that currently hold the top positions.
Dec. 21, 2018 to Jan. 25, 2019: 34 days
The 2018-2019 government shutdown was also a partial closure, lasting 34 days. It took place during President Donald Trump’s inaugural term.
The partial halt in government operations was triggered by a dispute over the $5.7 billion President Trump had sought to fund the construction of a barrier along the U.S-Mexico border. At the shutdown’s commencement, Republicans held majorities in both the House and the Senate, yet they were unable to secure the 60 votes required to pass a spending bill through the upper chamber without Democratic support. Following the new year, with the shutdown still active, Democrats gained control of the House.
The shutdown ultimately concluded when Trump agreed to a temporary measure to fund the government until Feb. 15, 2019, which did not allocate money for the wall. In the days leading up to the February deadline, a bipartisan congressional deal was reached, which did include funding for the barrier—though notably less than the President had requested, at $1.4 billion.
Dec. 15, 1995 to Jan. 6, 1996: 21 days
Prior to the 2018-2019 partial shutdown, the longest government closure in U.S. history occurred under former President Bill Clinton.
This shutdown, which extended for 21 days, developed due to a deadlock between Clinton and Republicans regarding the national budget’s balance. Republicans, who then held majorities in both houses of Congress, aimed to curtail social programs and reverse Clinton’s 1993 tax increase. The shutdown ceased after Republicans assented to a compromise proposed by Clinton.
Sept. 30, 1978 to Oct. 18, 1978: 17 days
Former President Jimmy Carter served for only four years, but his single term included several government shutdowns, each lasting more than a week—including what was then the third longest in U.S. history.
That particular shutdown happened in 1978, as Carter’s second year in office was nearing its conclusion. Democrats held majorities in both the Senate and the House.
The government ceased operations for 17 days due to multiple disagreements, including over public works funding. Carter also vetoed a defense spending bill that included appropriations for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which he deemed extravagant. The government resumed operations after legislation was passed that did not include funding for the aircraft carrier or for water projects that Carter similarly opposed. A previously established agreement on abortion funding, which permitted it in cases of rape, incest, and when the pregnant person’s health was at risk, was maintained.
Sept. 30, 2013 to Oct. 17, 2013: 16 days
Partisan disagreements over the Affordable Care Act, which Democrats enacted in 2010 without any Republican votes, became a central issue in national politics throughout the remainder of former President Barack Obama’s tenure and ultimately resulted in a 16-day government shutdown months into his second term. Republicans, who controlled the House, rejected a spending bill that allocated funds for the significant healthcare legislation in 2013. Obama and Democrats, who held a majority in the Senate, opposed Republican-led proposals.
The government eventually reopened due to bipartisan Senate negotiations that led to minor adjustments to the Affordable Care Act.
Sept. 30, 1977 to Oct. 13, 1977: 12 days
Exactly one year before the 1978’s 17-day shutdown commenced, the government closed for 12 days during the first year of Carter’s presidency.
The 1977 shutdown, which held the record for the longest in U.S. history for merely 12 months, was triggered by disagreements concerning whether Medicaid should provide funding for abortion care. Democrats maintained majorities in both chambers of Congress.
