Turbulent Times: The Longest U.S. Government Shutdowns in History

The U.S. government has faced multiple shutdowns since 1980 due to budgetary disagreements, affecting thousands of federal workers. The longest, from December 2018 to January 2019, lasted 35 days, sparked by a clash over border wall funding. Being one of the most significant political standoffs, government shutdowns highlight persistent bipartisan divides.

Amidst ongoing budget disputes, thousands of federal employees in the U.S. halted work on October 1, marking the latest government shutdown. This phenomenon is not new, with the most prolonged shutdown spanning 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019, triggered by a deadlock over funding for President Trump's border wall proposal.

Historical data reveals several significant shutdowns, such as the 22-day standoff from December 1995 to January 1996 during Bill Clinton's presidency, which originated from a gridlock between Clinton and the Republican-majority Congress over budget balancing. Similarly, the 16-day shutdown in 2013 revolved around Republican demands to cut funding for a healthcare law championed by Barack Obama.

As of now, the shutdown ranks as the fourth-longest in history, with Democrats blocking spending legislation to expand expiring healthcare subsidies, amidst Republican opposition to including such measures in the funding deal. The recurring theme of budget disputes underscores entrenched partisan divisions within American politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)