How Long Was The Government Shutdown 2018

The government shutdown of 2018, also known as the Trump shutdown or the Trump-Schumer shutdown, was a significant event in the political landscape of the United States. This shutdown, which lasted for 35 days, was the longest in the country's history, surpassing the previous record of 21 days set in 1995-1996. It had far-reaching implications, affecting millions of Americans and the overall functioning of the federal government.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the details of this historic shutdown, exploring its causes, the impact it had on various sectors, and the eventual resolution. By analyzing this event, we can gain valuable insights into the complexities of governance and the potential consequences of political disagreements.

The Precursors: Political Discord and Budget Deadlines

The 2018 government shutdown was a culmination of political tensions and differing agendas between the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government. The primary point of contention was the funding for the construction of a border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, a key campaign promise of President Donald Trump.

As the fiscal year was set to end on September 30, 2018, Congress and the President were tasked with passing a budget to keep the government operational. However, negotiations hit a roadblock as Democrats, who held a minority in both chambers, refused to support a budget that included funding for the border wall.

President Trump, determined to secure funding for his border wall project, threatened to veto any budget bill that did not include the requested $5.7 billion. This stalemate set the stage for a potential government shutdown, a scenario that would have severe consequences for federal employees, contractors, and the economy as a whole.

The Shutdown Begins: A Nation on Hold

On December 22, 2018, the federal government officially entered a partial shutdown. The term “partial” is used because not all federal agencies and departments were affected. Essential services such as national security, air traffic control, and emergency response continued to operate, but non-essential services were halted.

Here's a breakdown of the agencies and departments impacted by the shutdown:

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): While the agency's critical functions, including border patrol and airport security, remained operational, many employees were furloughed without pay.
• Department of the Interior: National parks, museums, and monuments were closed, affecting tourism and local economies. The National Park Service, which oversees these sites, was unable to maintain regular operations.
• Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ's non-essential functions were affected, impacting various legal proceedings and investigations.
• Department of State: Passport and visa services experienced delays, affecting international travel and consular operations.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA's non-essential activities were suspended, including environmental inspections and certain research projects.
• Department of Transportation (DOT): The DOT's administrative functions were impacted, causing delays in infrastructure projects and certain regulatory processes.

The shutdown not only disrupted the lives of federal employees and contractors but also had a ripple effect on various industries and the overall economy. Small businesses, especially those dependent on federal contracts, faced significant challenges, and the lack of government services created a sense of uncertainty for many Americans.

The Human Cost: Federal Employees and Contractors

The 2018 government shutdown had a profound impact on the lives of federal employees and contractors. Approximately 800,000 federal workers were affected, with around 420,000 considered “essential” and required to work without pay, and another 380,000 furloughed.

Essential employees, such as those in law enforcement, air traffic control, and national security, were expected to work without compensation, adding to the stress and financial strain they already faced. Many essential workers took on second jobs or relied on loans and credit cards to make ends meet during this challenging period.

Furloughed employees, on the other hand, were not allowed to work and were left without income. These individuals had to make difficult decisions, such as delaying bills, seeking temporary employment, or dipping into savings to cover expenses. The uncertainty of when the shutdown would end added to the anxiety and frustration felt by these workers and their families.

Contractors, who make up a significant portion of the federal workforce, were also heavily impacted. Unlike federal employees, contractors were not guaranteed back pay, leaving them in a precarious financial situation. Many contractors faced the choice of either working without pay or losing their jobs entirely.

The shutdown's impact on federal employees and contractors was not limited to their financial well-being. The stress and uncertainty took a toll on their mental health, with many reporting increased anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. The lack of pay and the uncertainty of when the situation would resolve created a sense of helplessness and despair.

To mitigate the impact on federal employees, some agencies and private organizations stepped in to provide support. For example, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund offered emergency assistance grants, and many communities organized food drives and other forms of aid to support federal workers in need.

Economic and Social Consequences

The 2018 government shutdown had wide-ranging economic and social consequences that affected various sectors and communities across the United States.

Economic Impact

The shutdown’s economic impact was significant, with estimates placing the total cost to the U.S. economy at around $11 billion. Here are some key economic effects:

• Federal Contracts and Businesses: The shutdown disrupted federal contracting processes, affecting small businesses that rely on government contracts. Many businesses faced delays in payments, project suspensions, and even contract cancellations.
• Tourism and Hospitality: The closure of national parks and monuments impacted the tourism industry, especially in areas heavily reliant on these attractions. Local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, experienced a decline in revenue during the shutdown.
• Consumer Spending: The financial strain on federal employees and contractors led to reduced consumer spending. This, in turn, affected various industries, including retail, dining, and entertainment.
• Government Revenue: The shutdown resulted in a loss of government revenue, as certain fees and taxes associated with federal services were not collected during this period.
• Federal Budget: The shutdown added to the federal budget deficit, as the government continued to incur expenses without generating sufficient revenue.

Social Impact

Beyond the economic consequences, the shutdown had a social impact on communities and individuals:

• Community Services: The shutdown affected community-based services and programs, such as food banks and social welfare initiatives. These services often rely on federal funding and support, and the disruption in funding impacted their ability to provide essential assistance to those in need.
• Research and Innovation: Federal research institutions and agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), experienced delays and disruptions. This had a ripple effect on scientific research, innovation, and the development of new technologies.
• Public Health and Safety: The shutdown impacted public health services, including disease surveillance and response. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had reduced staff, affecting its ability to monitor and respond to public health threats.
• National Security: While critical national security functions continued, the shutdown affected certain intelligence and counterterrorism activities. The reduced staff and resources during this period could have potential long-term implications for national security.

The Resolution: A Temporary Solution

After weeks of negotiations and mounting pressure, a temporary resolution was reached on January 25, 2019. Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government for three weeks, ending the 35-day shutdown. This CR provided funding for federal agencies to operate until February 15, 2019, without any funding for the border wall.

The temporary reprieve allowed federal employees to return to work and receive back pay for the period they were furloughed. However, the underlying issues that led to the shutdown remained unresolved, setting the stage for future political battles and the potential for another shutdown.

President Trump, despite signing the CR, continued to advocate for border wall funding. He declared a national emergency on February 15, 2019, in an attempt to secure the necessary funds without congressional approval. This move sparked legal challenges and further political debates.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

The 2018 government shutdown left a lasting impact on the political landscape and the lives of many Americans. It highlighted the fragility of the nation’s political system and the potential consequences of gridlock and partisanship.

The shutdown's economic and social consequences served as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of various sectors and the reliance on federal funding and services. It also brought attention to the importance of finding common ground and compromise in political negotiations.

Looking forward, the threat of future shutdowns remains a concern. Political divisions and differing agendas continue to challenge the smooth functioning of the government. However, the 2018 shutdown serves as a learning experience, highlighting the need for bipartisan cooperation and a more collaborative approach to governance.

As the nation moves forward, the lessons learned from this historic shutdown can guide policymakers towards more effective solutions, ensuring the stability and prosperity of the United States.