The most recent and longest shutdown happened in the winter of 2018-2019 when the Democrat-controlled House led a dispute against the Trump administration - who wanted the congressional budget to fund his border wall. RELATED: House Dems unveil corporate, wealthy tax hikes to fund $3.5T spending plan In 2013, the GOP-led House clashed with President Barack Obama about funding for the Affordable Care Act - resulting in a 16-day shutdown. Neither side could agree on spending levels and the government shut down twice for a total of 26 days. In 19, President Bill Clinton found himself at odds with the Republican-controlled Congress. Politicians sometimes weaponize the budget as bargaining chips amid negotiations. But legislation passed in 2019 guaranteed back pay for them.įederal contractors, though, have historically not received back pay. During the 20 shutdowns, roughly 850,000 out of 2.1 million non-postal federal employees were furloughed.įurloughed federal employees are not allowed to work and do not receive paychecks during shutdowns.
Oftentimes, those plans include requiring furloughs. The Office of Management and Budget coordinates contingency plans for each agency that identifies which government activities may not continue until appropriations are restored.
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The legislation is then sent to the sitting president, who signs it and funds the government.Ī full shutdown occurs when none of the bills have been signed. Here’s a look at what it means when a government shuts down and how it affects you: What is a government shutdown?Ī government shutdown is when Congress fails to fund the numerous federal government agencies and programs that rely on annual funding.Įvery fiscal year, lawmakers must approve budget legislation - consisting of 12 appropriations bills, one for each appropriations subcommittee. No matter what it’s called, it can leave many Americans without income and inconvenience countless others until a new budget is in place.