USA TODAY International Edition
Shutdown recalls big fights of past
Historically, one party benefits once they end
WASHINGTON – If the current government shutdown were a movie, it would be a remake. The partial shutdown of federal agencies that began a week ago marks the 21st time Americans have watched this tale of conflict and stalemate.
As the deadlock between President Donald Trump and Democrats drags on, the fight over funding for Trump’s proposed border wall is evoking comparisons to the 1990s budget fight.
If there is any lesson from the past shutdowns, it would appear that a resolution comes when public frustration with the inaction begins to boil over. So, keep an eye on the polls. Here is a look at the four longest government shutdowns and the fallout from each.
Clinton vs. Gingrich
Duration: 21 days, began Dec. 5, 1995, ended Jan. 6, 1996
What happened: This titanic political battle between Democratic President Bill Clinton and Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich holds the record for the longest shutdown.
It was the second standoff between the two, both over taxes, and came just a month after a five-day shutdown.
Gingrich and other congressional Republicans wanted to reduce spending. Clinton refused to make the cuts they wanted. Gingrich then refused to raise the debt limit. The shutdown ended when the two sides agreed to a sevenyear budget plan with some spending cuts and tax increases.
Polls gave Clinton the nod in this duel. His approval ratings rose and he was elected to a second term that fall.
Carter vs. Congress
Duration: 18 days, began Sept. 30,
1978, ended Oct. 18, 1978.
What happened: Democratic President Jimmy Carter found himself at odds with Congress even though Democrats controlled the House and Senate. Carter vetoed a defense bill that included funding for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and public works legislation that included funding for water projects. He saw these projects as wasteful spending.
More critically, funding for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare was delayed because of a dispute involving Medicaid funding for abortion. Carter got the projects he opposed stripped from legislation and the Congress passed a bill that expanded the exceptions to the Medicaid abortion ban to include rape and incest.
Obamacare or bust
Duration: 16 days, began Oct. 1, 2013, ended Oct. 17, 2013
What happened: Republicans sought to delay or defund the Affordable Care Act after failing to repeal it. They attempted to force President Barack Obama’s hand by approving a temporary measure that would fund the government but would cut funding to implement Obamacare.
The Senate, controlled by Democrats, rejected the plan. The standoff ended when Republicans conceded defeat and a deal was worked out to reopen the government. Polls showed the GOP took most of the blame.
Abortion shutdown
Duration: 12 days, began Sept. 30, 1977, ended Oct. 13, 1977.
What happened: Democrats controlled both houses of Congress and the White House, but the House and Senate could not agree on the exceptions to the ban on Medicaid funding for abortions.
House Democrats wanted to continue a ban on using Medicaid to pay for abortions, except when the mother’s life was in jeopardy. Senate Democrats wanted funding to be allowed in cases of rape or incest. The standoff ended when a short-term funding bill was passed. Republicans benefited because it was a fight among Democrats that shut government.