Shutdowns of the past

By CQ Staff

On 17 occasions since September 1976, Congress has allowed appropriations to lapse, requiring the government to begin shutting down non-essential operations.

Fiscal Year 1977

• The government shut down on Thursday, Sept. 30, 1976, for 10 days.

Fiscal Year 1978

• The government shut down on Friday, Sept. 30, 1977, for 12 days;

• Monday, Oct. 31, 1977, for eight days; and on

• Wednesday, Nov. 30, 1977, for eight days.

Fiscal Year 1979

• The government shut down on Saturday, Sept. 30, 1978, for 17 days.

Fiscal Year 1980

• The government shut down on Sunday, Sept. 30, 1979, for 11 days

Fiscal Year 1982

• The government shut down on Friday, Nov. 20, 1981, for two days.

Fiscal Year 1983

• The government shut down on Thursday, Sept. 30, 1982, for one day; and on

• Friday, Dec. 17, 1982, for three days.

Fiscal Year 1984

• The government shut down on Thursday, Nov. 10, 1983, for three days.

Fiscal Year 1985

• The government shut down on Sunday, Sept. 30, 1984, for two days; and on

• Wednesday, Oct. 3, 1984, for one day.

Fiscal Year 1987

• The government shut down on Thursday, Oct. 16, 1986, for one day.

Fiscal Year 1988

• The government shut down on Friday, Dec. 18, 1987, for one day.

Fiscal Year 1991

• The government shut down on Friday, Oct. 5, 1990, for three days.

Fiscal Year 1996

• The government shut down on Monday, Nov. 13, 1995, for five days; and on

• Friday, Dec. 15, 1995, for 21 days.