How Many Government Shutdowns Happened Under President Barack Obama?
Barack Obama’s Presidency and Government Shutdowns
Presidency of Barack Obama saw only one government shutdown, marking a relatively stable period compared to subsequent administrations. During Obama’s tenure, the government functioned with relative ease until the conflict escalated in October 2013, leading to a 17-day shutdown. This article delves into the causes and aftermath of the sole shutdown during Obama’s presidency, focusing on the role of Ted Cruz and the impact on the Affordable Healthcare Act.
The Democrats’ Majority and the Republicans’ Frustration
At the time, the Senate held a Democratic majority, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid, with 54 Democrats and 46 Republicans. In the House, the Republicans held 232 seats, with John Boehner as the Speaker. The Republicans were frustrated with the Affordable Healthcare Act, commonly known as Obamacare, which sought to address the issue of universal health coverage. The House Republicans, under leadership of Boehner, and conservative members were keen on reducing discretionary spending and demanded a delay in the implementation of Obamacare, urging it to be delayed for a year. Bohner's efforts were supported by conservative figures such as Rep. Tom Graves, R-GA, who were desperate to thwart the act.
Ted Cruz's Filibuster and The Shutdown
The trigger for the shut-down was when Ted Cruz, a key Republican figure, initiated a filibuster to pressure the White House into concessions over the Affordable Healthcare Act. Cruz’s actions were seen as an act of political blackmail, designed to force Obama to give up key elements of his healthcare reforms.
Cruz’s filibuster led to a prolonged debate without a resolution, making it impossible for both the House and the Senate to pass a funding bill. This lack of consensus caused the government to shut down on October 1, 2013. The extent of the challenge reached a point where Boehner himself conceded and approved a funding bill that did not include provisions to defund Obamacare. This move signified a significant shift in the House’s stance.
Compromise and Resumption of Operations
After 17 days of inactivity, the shutdown was lifted. However, approximately 850,000 federal workers were furloughed, with about 40% of the federal workforce affected. The compromise reached involved no defunding of Obamacare, a move that significantly reduced Republican satisfaction. Despite the temporary nature of the resolution, political tensions remained high, with many in Congress critiquing both Republicans and Democrats.
Comparisons with Other Administrations
It is worth noting that other presidents faced multiple shutdowns. Donald Trump holds the record for the most days of a government shutdown, lasting 35 days in one instance, with two separate shutdowns in 2018 totaling 38 days. Bill Clinton experienced two shutdowns, while H.W. Bush faced one. Ronald Reagan had three shutdowns, and Jimmy Carter had one.
Barack Obama’s presidency saw a stark contrast with these figures, highlighting a period of relative stability in government operations. The single shutdown during his tenure was a notable but brief disruption in an otherwise smooth legislative process.
Conclusion
In summary, during Barack Obama’s presidency, only one government shutdown occurred, primarily due to political disagreements over the Affordable Healthcare Act. This shutdown, lasting 17 days, was a critical moment in American politics, reflecting the deep divides in legislative councils and the broader political climate of the time.