The United States is entering its 13th day of a federal government shutdown, with House Speaker Mike Johnson warning it could become the longest in history. The standoff centers on healthcare funding, as Republicans refuse to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies while Democrats insist the aid is essential for millions of Americans.
The shutdown has halted federal operations, closed museums, and disrupted airports, while thousands of government employees face layoffs under the Trump administration. With Congress deadlocked and no negotiations underway, the closure shows no sign of ending soon.
These developments highlight the recurring nature of government shutdowns in American history. Since the first shutdown in 1976, there have been 21 federal shutdowns, as political disagreements repeatedly brought the federal government to a standstill.
In this gallery, we explore past government shutdowns, what caused them, and how they affected Americans. Click on for more.