The U.S. government underwent a historic 35-day shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, due to a dispute over funding for a U.S.–Mexico border wall. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were affected, with many furloughed or working without pay. Essential services continued, but many agencies were impacted. The shutdown ended after Congress passed an appropriations bill on January 25, 2019.

The U.S. government experienced a 16-day shutdown in October 2013 due to disagreements over funding the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, and another 1.3 million were required to work without pay. Essential services continued, but many government operations were curtailed. The shutdown ended after Congress passed an interim appropriations bill on October 17, 2013.