government shutdown how long will it last

The current U.S. federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, due to Congress failing to pass appropriations legislation for the fiscal year 2026. The exact duration of the shutdown is uncertain, with lawmakers from both parties expressing no definitive timeline for its end. Historically, shutdowns can last from a few days to over a month, depending on how long it takes Congress and the President to reach a funding agreement. The longest shutdown lasted 35 days in 2018-2019. This shutdown will last at least a few days, with senators currently scheduled to return by Friday, but it could extend longer if negotiations remain stalled.