Tracking the duration of governmental dysfunction
A U.S. government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation to fund federal government operations and agencies. During a shutdown, non-essential federal employees are furloughed, and many government services are suspended until funding is restored.
This counter updates every second. It started at midnight ET on October 1, 2025, when funding expired.
Government shutdowns have far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans. Federal employees face furloughs or work without pay, creating financial hardship for families. Essential services like TSA airport security, border protection, and law enforcement continue but without paychecks. National parks and museums close, impacting tourism and local economies.
Citizens experience delays in passport processing, tax refunds, Social Security applications, and small business loans. Veterans may face disruptions to benefits and healthcare services. Federal contractors often lose income permanently. The economic impact extends beyond government workers, affecting restaurants, shops, and businesses near federal facilities.
Public health and safety programs, environmental monitoring, food safety inspections, and scientific research are disrupted or halted. The longer the shutdown continues, the more severe and widespread the impacts become on everyday Americans trying to access government services they depend on.
Make your voice heard! Urge your elected officials to end this shutdown and pass a budget:
Federal government shutdowns have become increasingly common in recent decades. Here's a look at the most significant recent shutdowns:
| Start Date | Duration | President | House Control | Senate Control | Key Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2025 | Ongoing | Trump (R) | Republican | Republican | Largely Healthcare Funding |
| Dec 22, 2018 | 35 days | Trump (R) | Republican | Republican | $5.7B border wall funding |
| Jan 20, 2018 | 3 days | Trump (R) | Republican | Republican | DACA/Dreamer protections |
| Oct 1, 2013 | 16 days | Obama (D) | Republican | Democratic | Affordable Care Act |
| Dec 16, 1995 | 21 days | Clinton (D) | Republican | Republican | Tax cuts to the wealthy, cut spending on social programs |
| Nov 14, 1995 | 5 days | Clinton (D) | Republican | Republican | Medicare premium increases |
| Oct 6, 1990 | 3 days | Bush (H.W.) (R) | Democratic | Democratic | Tax increases |
Note: The 2018-2019 shutdown (35 days) was the longest in U.S. history, affecting 800,000 federal workers.