Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources

When federal government agencies and programs lack budget authority after the expiration of either full-year or interim appropriations, they experience a “funding gap,” also known as a lapse in appropriations. In many cases, under the Antideficiency Act (31 U.S.C. §§1341 et seq.), agencies and programs affected by a funding gap must cease operations—except in certain circumstances when continued activities are authorized by law. In the past, there have occasionally been funding gaps that led to government shutdowns. The most recent, and longest funding gap and shutdown to date, started in FY2026 on October 1, 2025, and lasted for a total of 42 full days. A subsequent funding lapse related to six unfinished FY2026 appropriations bills began on February 1, 2026. Full-year funding for five of those bills (Defense, Financial Services and General Government [FSGG], Labor, Health and Human Services, Education [LHHSED], National Security-State, and Transportation-HUD) was signed by the President on February 3, 2026, along with continuing appropriations through February 13, 2026, to fund Homeland Security. A funding lapse for Homeland Security funding began on February 14, 2026. The relevant laws that govern shutdowns have remained relatively constant in recent decades. However, agencies and officials may exercise some discretion in how they interpret the laws, and circumstances that confront agencies and officials may differ over time. Consequently, it is difficult to predict what might happen in the event of a future shutdown. Still, information about past events may offer some insight into possible outcomes and help inform future deliberations. This CRS report provides an annotated list of historical documents and other resources related to several past government shutdowns. In general, the report focuses on shutdowns broadly and so includes resources that address circumstances relating to multiple agencies and programs. Congressional hearings—even when focused on a single agency or programmatic area—will at times take a broader look at shutdown impacts, so this report does include references to selected hearings. When possible, the report includes links to full-text documents. For frequently asked questions relating to shutdowns, see CRS Report R47693, Government Shutdowns and Executive Branch Operations: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), coordinated by Taylor N. Riccard. For more in-depth discussion of processes related to shutdowns, see CRS Report RL34680, Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects, coordinated by Clinton T. Brass. For more information about funding gaps, see CRS Report RS20348, Federal Funding Gaps: A Brief Overview, by James V. Saturno. For information on federal employee furloughs, see CRS In Focus IF11703, Federal Employee Furloughs: Types and Implications, by Taylor N. Riccard. This report will be updated as additional resources are identified.