What's the big deal about a government shutdown?

Here's how you could be affected if the federal government runs out of money on Oct. 1

Congress
(Image credit: (Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images))

It has been a long time since the U.S. has experienced a proper government shutdown. In early 1996, the last time Washington politics ground the federal government to a (partial) standstill, Bill Clinton was president, Bob Dole (R-Kan.) was Senate Majority Leader, Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) was House Speaker, and the internet was barely a thing.

The shutdown wasn't popular, but the nation survived. Gingrich's public image didn't fare as well. Clinton handily beat Dole in that November's election.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.