Government Shutdowns: Past Lessons and Impacts

Past shutdowns—including over DACA, Obamacare, and social program funding—show how partisan disagreements can halt government services.

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Sept. 29, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The government appears headed for a shutdown on Oct. 1, with Republicans and Democrats failing to reach a deal on a short-term spending plan.

The White House and Republicans were seeking a stopgap bill to fund the government through Nov. 21 to give lawmakers more time to negotiate and pass 12 appropriation bills for this fiscal year.