Theo The Hill, goverment American is facing the risk of having to close on October 1 if Republican and Democratic lawmakers do not reach an agreement on the budget by September 30.
A government shutdown would cause federal agencies to cease all non-essential operations and millions of employees, including military officers, would go without pay. However, social security services and mandatory payments will still be made.
To end the shutdown, U.S. Congress Need to agree on a budget allocation plan for the government and have the President sign it into law. In the past 50 years, the US government has had to shut down 21 times under 7 different Presidents.
President Gerald Ford in 1976
In 1976, the first US government shutdown occurred when Mr. Ford vetoed a bill to fund the Department of Labor, Health, Education, and Welfare. This closure lasted 11 days.
Closed 5 times under President Jimmy Carter
In 1977, under former President Carter, the US government shut down 3 times, 1 time lasted 12 days, the remaining 2 times took place for 8 days. This closure is related to the abortion debate.
In 1978, the US government shut down again for 17 days, when Mr. Carter vetoed a defense spending bill to produce a nuclear aircraft carrier. The last shutdown under Mr. Carter occurred in 1979, lasting 11 days.
Closed eight times under President Ronald Reagan
Former US President Ronald Reagan. Photo: AP
The US government under Mr. Reagan closed down for the first time in 1981, twice in 1982, once in 1983, twice in 1984, once in 1986 and once in 1987. All of these shutdowns were unsuccessful. lasts more than 5 days.
The reason for the closure came from disagreements between Mr. Reagan and Democratic congressmen on issues such as civil rights, education funding, defense spending and foreign aid.
President George HW Bush in 1990
The government under the late President Bush “father” had to shut down for 4 days in 1990, because the White House boss vetoed a temporary spending bill.
Closed twice under President Bill Clinton
Former US President Bill Clinton. Photo: AP
Mr. Clinton’s first government shutdown occurred in November 1995, lasting 5 days. The reason is because Mr. Clinton negated resolutions related to increasing Medicare premiums, abolishing environmental regulations and requiring the Republican Party to balance the budget.
In 1995, Mr. Clinton’s government shut down for the second time within 21 days, also related to the problem of balancing the budget.
President Barack Obama in 2013
In 2013, the US government under Mr. Obama was shut down for 17 days. The reason is because Republican lawmakers tried to obstruct the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
Closed 3 times under President Donald Trump
Former US President Donald Trump. Photo: AP
Mr. Trump’s government shut down for the first time in 3 days, from January 19-21, 2018, because Democratic lawmakers refused to vote on the former President’s spending package.
The second shutdown occurred on February 8, 2018, and lasted only a few hours. The reason is because Republican Senator Rand Paul continuously obstructed the vote on the government budget bill. Nevertheless, the bill passed the next day, and the government reopened.
In 2019, the US government had to shut down for 35 days (the longest in history). The reason is because Mr. Trump asked Congress to approve $5.7 billion to build the border wall with Mexico, but faced strong opposition from the Democrats.