History of Government shutdown in Timeline

A government shutdown arises when the legislative branch fails to approve essential funding or authorization bills for the executive branch, leading to the suspension of some or all government operations. These shutdowns can erode public confidence in the political system. Shutdowns typically occur due to disagreements between the executive and legislative branches over budgetary priorities or policy issues. The consequences can include furloughed government employees, disruptions to public services, and economic impacts. Negotiations and compromises are often required to resolve the impasse and restore government functionality. The length and severity of a shutdown can vary depending on the nature of the disagreement and the political climate.

November 1975: Dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam

On 11 November 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, intending to call a half-Senate election, was dismissed by the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr. A caretaker government was appointed to secure supply.

1975: Senate refusal to pass supply bills leads to constitutional crisis

In 1975, the Senate's refusal to pass supply bills resulted in a constitutional crisis.

1976: US government adopts current budget and appropriations process

In 1976, the U.S. government adopted its current budget and appropriations process.

1980: Attorney General issues legal opinions leading to government shutdowns

In 1980, Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti issued legal opinions stating that funding gaps should lead to government shutdowns, as prescribed by the 1884 Antideficiency Act.

1980: Government shutdowns begin in the US

Since 1980, the federal government in the United States has experienced more than 10 shutdowns due to Congress's failure to pass appropriations bills before the expiration of existing ones.

1990: Government shutdowns become consistent after funding gaps

Since 1990, all funding gaps lasting longer than a few hours have consistently led to government shutdowns, solidifying the precedent set by earlier legal opinions.

1995: Government shutdown during Bill Clinton administration

In 1995, a significant government shutdown occurred during the Bill Clinton administration due to opposition to major spending cuts.

1996: Government shutdown during Bill Clinton administration

In 1996, the 21-day government shutdown that started in 1995 continued during the Bill Clinton administration over opposition to major spending cuts.

2011: Passage of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act

In 2011, the passage of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act made government shutdowns in the United Kingdom impossible due to parliamentary convention.

2013: Economic impact of government shutdown

In 2013, Standard & Poor's reported that the ongoing government shutdown had taken $24 billion out of the economy and reduced annualized fourth-quarter GDP growth by at least 0.6 percent.

2013: Government shutdown during Barack Obama administration

In 2013, a 16-day government shutdown took place during the Barack Obama administration, resulting from a dispute over the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

January 2017: Collapse of power-sharing agreement in Northern Ireland

In January 2017, the power-sharing agreement in the Assembly of Northern Ireland collapsed, hindering the passage of critical spending bills and nearly resulting in a government shutdown.

2018: Government shutdown during Donald Trump administration

In 2018, a 35-day government shutdown began during the Donald Trump administration due to a dispute over funding for an expansion of the U.S.–Mexico border barrier.

2019: Government shutdown during Donald Trump administration

In 2019, the 35-day government shutdown, which started in 2018, ended during the first Donald Trump administration due to a dispute over the funding amount for an expansion of the U.S.–Mexico border barrier.

2022: Repeal of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act

In 2022, the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act was repealed by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act, once again rendering a government shutdown virtually impossible in the UK.

September 30, 2023: Government shutdown averted

On September 30, 2023, a government shutdown was averted just hours before it was to occur, after a 45-day funding bill passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

October 1, 2025: Government shutdown begins

On October 1, 2025, a government shutdown began. It would later end on November 12, 2025, making it the longest shutdown ever.

November 12, 2025: Longest government shutdown ends

On November 12, 2025, the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 ended. It was the longest shutdown ever.

January 31, 2026: Government shutdown begins

On January 31, 2026, the most recent government shutdown began after Congress failed to pass appropriations bills before the previous ones expired in the United States.

March 2026: Federal Funding Gaps

As of 9 March 2026, there have been 23 federal funding gaps since the U.S. government adopted its current budget and appropriations process in 1976; 10 have led to federal employees being furloughed.