Government Shutdown Frequently Asked Questions

What is a government shutdown?

A government shutdown is a situation where the government is unable to pay its bills and obligations because the budget has not been approved by Congress.

What causes a government shutdown?

A government shutdown can be caused by a number of factors, including disagreements between the House and Senate over the budget, or a failure to reach a compromise on spending.

What are the consequences of a government shutdown?

A government shutdown can have a number of consequences, including the closure of government agencies, the furlough of government employees, and the interruption of government services.

What are the different types of government shutdowns?

There are two main types of government shutdowns: a partial shutdown and a full shutdown.

Partial shutdown

A partial shutdown occurs when only some government agencies are closed. This type of shutdown is more common than a full shutdown.

Full shutdown

A full shutdown occurs when all government agencies are closed. This type of shutdown is less common than a partial shutdown.

What is the impact of a government shutdown?

A government shutdown can have a significant impact on the economy and the lives of Americans. The closure of government agencies can lead to the loss of jobs, the interruption of essential services, and the delay of payments to businesses and individuals.

How long do government shutdowns typically last?

The length of a government shutdown can vary. The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019.

What are the steps to avoid a government shutdown?

There are a number of steps that can be taken to avoid a government shutdown, including:

• Passing a budget resolution
• Reaching a compromise on spending
• Extending the continuing resolution