When Will the Government Reopen? Here’s How Long Past Shutdowns Lasted

Introduction

When the federal government fails to pass a funding bill or continuing resolution, parts of the government shut down — meaning many non-essential operations halt, federal workers are furloughed or work without pay, and services are disrupted. The key question on many minds is: when will it reopen? And to answer that, it helps to look back at how long past shutdowns have lasted.

What Triggers a Shutdown (and Why Reopening Is Uncertain)

The government typically shuts down at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time when a fiscal year begins (October 1) or a temporary funding measure expires, and Congress hasn’t approved a new appropriation. Peterson Foundation+3ABC News+3Reuters+3

Reopening depends on congressional agreement (and presidential signature) on funding. Because negotiations can stall, there’s no fixed timeline for when operations resume.

So while many ask “when will the government reopen?”, the honest answer is: it depends on the negotiations.

Past Shutdowns: Durations & Examples

Here are several notable shutdowns to give context on how long they lasted:

The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days (from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019) during the administration of Donald Trump. TIME+2USAFacts+2
In 1995-1996 during Bill Clinton’s administration the government was shut down for 21 days (Dec 15, 1995–Jan 6, 1996). ThoughtCo
Another shutdown lasted 16 days during Barack Obama’s presidency (October 1–17, 2013). ABC News+1
Some shorter shutdowns lasted just a few days. ThoughtCo

Thus, shutdowns have ranged from a few days to more than a month.

The Current Situation (as of October 2025)

The federal government funding gap that resulted in a shutdown began on October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Reuters+1

As of now, the reopening date remains uncertain because both sides in Congress remain deadlocked. The shutdown is already one of the longer ones in U.S. history. Business Insider+1

What Affects the Timeline for Reopening

Several factors influence when the government can reopen:

Negotiation dynamics: The sticking points in budget talks (e.g., spending levels, policy riders) can prolong the shutdown.
Essential vs non-essential services: Some operations continue (military, air traffic control, etc.), reducing but not eliminating the pressure. ABC News+1
Economic pressure: As furloughs mount and services slow, public and economic pressure mounts on lawmakers to resolve.
Congressional calendar & political leverage: The timing of votes, recesses, and political stakes matter.

So – When Will It Reopen?

Because of the variables involved, giving a precise date is impossible. That said:

If past patterns offer guidance: a shutdown lasting several weeks is not unusual when big disputes are at stake.
Occasionally, deals are reached in under a week, especially when urgency is high.
Given this one is already prolonged, it may last multiple weeks unless a compromise is found soon.

Implications While the Shutdown Persists

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers may be furloughed or working without pay.
Many federal programs may be paused or delayed, and the economy can take a hit. USAFacts+1
For individuals relying on federal services, the disruption is tangible — from national parks to loan approvals.

Conclusion

In short: the government reopens when Congress funds it — and that can range from a few days to more than a month. The longest one on record was 35 days. The current shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, has already entered the upper range of previous durations. Until lawmakers reach agreement, the reopening date remains open-ended.

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When Will the Government Reopen? Here’s How Long Past Shutdowns Lasted