RELATED June 06, 2025 Partnership for Public Service’s public comments on OPM’s “Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service” (Schedule P/C) proposed rule June 02, 2025 Partnership for Public Service's public comments on OPM's "Assuring Responsive and Accountable Federal Executive Management" proposed rule April 24, 2025 New Partnership for Public Service polling shows majority of the American public concerned about cuts to the federal workforce and government services 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)