2018 Government Shutdown Tracker

The 2018 government shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, and lasted for 35 days, was the longest shutdown in US history, surpassing the 21-day shutdown of 1995-1996. This partial government closure had a significant impact on various sectors and millions of Americans, leaving many federal employees and contractors without pay and causing disruptions across federal agencies and services.

Timeline of Events

The shutdown was triggered by a dispute between President Donald Trump and Congress over funding for a border wall along the US-Mexico border. Here is a detailed timeline of the key events during the 2018 government shutdown:

December 2018

The federal government began operating under a series of temporary funding measures known as continuing resolutions (CRs) to keep agencies functioning while Congress negotiated a long-term spending bill. On December 7, Congress passed a short-term CR to fund the government through December 21, avoiding a potential shutdown.

However, as the deadline approached, President Trump and congressional leaders were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term spending bill. The main point of contention was funding for the border wall, with Trump demanding $5.7 billion and Democrats refusing to allocate more than $1.3 billion for border security measures.

On December 21, at midnight, the temporary funding measure expired, and a partial government shutdown commenced. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were affected, with around 380,000 deemed non-essential and placed on furlough, while another 420,000 were deemed essential and required to work without pay.

The shutdown impacted nine federal departments and various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Commerce, and Housing and Urban Development. It also affected federal workers at NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Parks Service.

January 2019

As the shutdown continued into the new year, its effects became increasingly noticeable. Federal employees missed their first paycheck on January 11, and many began to face financial hardships. Some agencies, such as the IRS, began to experience delays in processing tax refunds, causing further economic strain.

President Trump and congressional leaders held several meetings and negotiations, but no breakthrough was achieved. Trump even made a televised address from the Oval Office on January 8, urging Congress to fund the border wall. However, Democrats remained firm in their opposition to the wall, proposing alternative border security measures instead.

On January 25, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, aiming to bypass Congress and secure funding for the border wall. This move sparked legal challenges and criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, who questioned the constitutionality of the declaration.

February 2019

On February 15, after 35 days, the shutdown finally came to an end when President Trump signed a temporary spending bill, known as a stopgap measure, to fund the government through February 15. This provided time for Congress to negotiate a long-term spending deal and address the border security issue.

The stopgap measure included $3 billion for border security measures, including fencing and other barriers, but did not provide the $5.7 billion demanded by President Trump for the border wall. The deal also ensured back pay for federal employees who had been working without pay during the shutdown.

During the shutdown, an estimated $11 billion was lost in economic activity, and the impact on federal workers and contractors was profound. Many were forced to rely on food banks, take on second jobs, or seek financial assistance from charities and government programs.

Impact and Analysis

The 2018 government shutdown had far-reaching consequences that extended beyond the federal workforce. Here are some key impacts and insights from this historic event:

Economic Impact

The shutdown resulted in significant economic losses. According to a study by Standard & Poor’s Global, the shutdown cost the US economy 3.6 billion in the first 16 days alone, and the total economic impact is estimated to be around 11 billion. This includes not only the direct loss of federal worker salaries but also the ripple effects on businesses and the broader economy.

Many businesses, especially those reliant on federal contracts or tourism, suffered during the shutdown. National parks, museums, and other federal sites were closed, impacting the tourism industry and local economies. Small businesses and contractors faced delays in payments and uncertainty, affecting their cash flow and ability to operate.

The shutdown also disrupted government services, including the processing of tax refunds, small business loans, and agricultural support. This further impacted individuals and businesses, causing financial strain and uncertainty.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

The shutdown had a profound impact on the lives of federal employees and contractors. Many were forced to make difficult choices, such as delaying rent or mortgage payments, skipping meals, or relying on food banks and charities for basic necessities. The stress and anxiety caused by financial uncertainty took a toll on the mental health of affected individuals and their families.

Federal workers, especially those in essential roles, faced the burden of working without pay, often with increased workloads due to the reduced staff. This created a sense of frustration and demoralization among the workforce, impacting morale and productivity.

The shutdown also disrupted critical government services, including food safety inspections, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. This had potential long-term consequences for public health, environmental protection, and innovation.

Political and Policy Implications

The 2018 shutdown highlighted the polarization and gridlock in American politics. It demonstrated the challenges of finding common ground and reaching bipartisan agreements on critical issues like border security and budget negotiations.

The shutdown's impact on federal employees and the broader economy put pressure on politicians to find a resolution. Ultimately, the stopgap measure signed by President Trump provided temporary relief, but it did not address the underlying issues that led to the shutdown. The border wall funding debate continued, and future shutdowns remained a possibility.

The shutdown also raised questions about the effectiveness of using government shutdowns as a political tool. It demonstrated the potential harm caused to the economy, government operations, and public trust, leading many to advocate for alternative approaches to resolving budget disputes.

Lessons Learned and Future Implications

The 2018 government shutdown serves as a cautionary tale and provides valuable lessons for policymakers and the public alike. Here are some key takeaways and potential future implications:

Avoiding Future Shutdowns

The shutdown’s impact on federal employees, the economy, and public services has led to a widespread desire to prevent future shutdowns. To achieve this, policymakers must find ways to resolve budget disputes through compromise and collaboration. This may involve exploring alternative methods of funding critical projects, such as through bipartisan task forces or public-private partnerships.

Additionally, Congress and the executive branch can work towards implementing more efficient budget negotiation processes and finding common ground on key issues. By fostering a culture of bipartisanship and prioritizing the well-being of federal employees and the economy, future shutdowns can be avoided.

Strengthening Government Resilience

The shutdown exposed vulnerabilities in government operations and the need for better contingency planning. Federal agencies should develop comprehensive plans to minimize the impact of future shutdowns on essential services and critical functions. This includes identifying alternative funding sources, streamlining operations, and improving communication with employees and the public.

Furthermore, agencies can explore ways to enhance their resilience and continuity of operations during periods of limited funding. This may involve diversifying funding streams, improving technology infrastructure, and implementing innovative solutions to maintain essential services.

Protecting Federal Employees

The well-being of federal employees should be a top priority during budget negotiations. Policymakers should consider the impact of shutdowns on the lives and livelihoods of federal workers and their families. This includes ensuring that back pay is promptly provided to affected employees and exploring ways to provide financial support or assistance during shutdown periods.

Additionally, federal agencies can implement measures to support employees during challenging times. This may involve offering counseling services, providing financial education, or establishing emergency funds to assist employees in need. By prioritizing the welfare of federal employees, agencies can maintain morale and productivity even in times of budgetary uncertainty.

Building Public Trust

The 2018 shutdown eroded public trust in government and its ability to effectively manage budget disputes. To rebuild this trust, policymakers must demonstrate a commitment to finding bipartisan solutions and avoiding extreme measures like shutdowns. By prioritizing the needs of the American people and engaging in open and transparent communication, government can restore public confidence.

Additionally, agencies can enhance their communication strategies during periods of limited funding. This includes providing regular updates to the public, being transparent about the impact of shutdowns, and highlighting the essential services that continue to be provided. By keeping the public informed and engaged, government can maintain support and understanding during challenging times.