how long will this government shutdown last

The current U.S. government shutdown started on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding agreement. The exact length of this shutdown is uncertain and depends on how quickly the House and Senate can reach a new funding deal. Historically, shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to over a month, with the longest being 35 days in 2018. Given the political deadlock reported, this shutdown could last for an extended period if no compromise is reached soon. Both parties are blaming each other for the impasse, and negotiations remain tense around issues such as healthcare funding and Medicaid reductions. Federal employees are furloughed without pay during this period, but most are expected to receive back pay once the government reopens.