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 on Sept. 29, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

The government appears to be 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.