The idea of a government shutdown is a quirk of American history. Scroll through our timeline for a look back in time at government shutdowns. Read full coverag...
2013: And again. The Republican-run House and Democratic-led Senate were unable to reach an agreement over a continuing resolution that would fund the government. So, we rang in the fiscal new year with a government shutdown.
Federal agencies, national parks and Smithsonian museums were all closed. Many federal employees reported to work Oct. 1 to close up shop, turn around and go home on furlough.
On Oct. 1 with a partial shutdown in effect, the House proposed three bills that would partially reopen the government. None passed in the Senate.
The shutdown of 2013 came to a close on Wednesday, Oct. 16, after 16 days. Congress agreed on a deal to fund the government through Jan. 15, 2014.