A US government shutdown happens when appropriations lapse and agencies must stop work that is not legally excepted. CRS counts 23 funding gaps since 1976. The…
The new 1 October fiscal year brought a 10-day funding gap. Agencies kept working, expecting Congress to pay later.
Attorney General Civiletti ruled unfunded agencies must stop work, except to protect life and property.
During deficit talks, Bush vetoed a stopgap. Parks and museums closed over the Columbus Day weekend.
Clinton vetoed a stopgap over Medicare premiums. About 800,000 federal workers were furloughed for five days.
21 full days over a balanced-budget plan. About 280,000 were furloughed until stopgaps passed on 6 January.
House Republicans tied funding to the Affordable Care Act. 16 days, 800,000+ furloughed, parks and museums shut.
Democrats sought protection for Dreamers. A two-day lapse ended with a stopgap and a promised debate.
Trump wanted $5.7bn for a wall. 34 full days; CBO said $3bn of GDP was lost for good.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act guarantees back pay for federal staff. Contractors are not covered.
A fight over ACA tax credits shut every agency for 43 days. Flights were cut and SNAP benefits delayed.
Six funding bills lapsed for three days until a package passed 217-214. Homeland Security got only two weeks.
Democrats sought ICE limits after two Minneapolis killings. 75 days; TSA screeners went largely unpaid.
No. A stopgap funds every agency to 11 December 2026. A gap would start 12 December without a new law.
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