RELATED February 13, 2026 Partnership for Public Service’s public comments on OPM’s “Ensuring Consistent and Rigorous Standards for Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Programs” proposed rule January 29, 2026 Trump Posed an Existential Threat. This Nonpartisan Group Pushed Back January 29, 2026 A Culture of Fear: Leadership Deficits at Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Back to Reports Shutdown Letdown September 20, 2019 Earlier this year, our country experienced the longest-ever government shutdown. During those 35 days, many basic government functions stopped, and federal employees, agencies and the American people faced significant hardship. Although the shutdown ended on January 25, the consequences for taxpayers and the government lasted long after. In “Shutdown Letdown,” the Partnership for Public Service shares four case studies that offer insight into the shutdown’s impact on small businesses, federal agencies and the public. Read the issue brief to explore how this short-term shutdown did lasting harm, and the steps government should take to ensure this never happens again. Download (263k)