As the federal government shutdown heads into its second weekend after beginning on Oct. 1, many Americans are wondering how much longer it will last.
After seven failed attempts at agreement, the Senate is not scheduled to vote again on legislation to fund the government until Tuesday, Oct. 14, according to reports. This would lead into the second full week, day 14, of the 2025 government shutdown under President Donald Trump.
North Carolinians ― particularly in the Western region of the state ― have had some relief from the effects of the shutdown. Recovery work towards damages caused by Tropical Storm Helene continues, as contract crew funding had already been awarded before Congress failed to pass a budget.
Federal food assistance programs are also continuing through the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services at least through the end of October.
Still, the shutdown affects everyone in the U.S., with essential federal employees working without pay, permanent staffing changes threatened by the White House and more.
As the shutdown continues, here’s what people should know about the longest shutdowns in history, betting odds on when a Senate vote will pass a funding bill to reopen and more.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks to members of the media on the ongoing Congressional government shutdown negotiations outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on October 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. The government remains shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding deal last week.
How long will the government shutdown last?
There is no specific end in sight to the government shutdown that began Oct. 1. However, betting odds on Polymarket, an online prediction market, provide some insight into the confidence of the American public on its longevity with odds rising against the chance that Congress will pass a funding bill any time soon:
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93% believe the government shutdown will end after Oct. 15th
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6% believe it will end between Oct. 10-14
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6% confidence in Senate vote passing by Oct. 15
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64% believe Senate vote will pass by Oct.31
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95% betting odds on Senate passing vote by Nov. 30
These Polymarket odds were posted as of Friday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. If these odds were to pan out, it may not be the longest shutdown in U.S. history, but still among the most significant.
How long has the government been shut down? When did the 2025 government shutdown start?
The 2025 federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1.
What was the longest government shutdown in history?
The last and longest government shutdown was in 2018-2019 during Trump’s first term. That 35-day shutdown was caused by disputes over expanding barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border. Prior to that, there was a 21-day shutdown in 1995-1996 during Bill Clinton’s presidency over major spending cuts and the 16-day shutdown in 2013 during Barack Obama’s administration over implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
The other seven government shutdowns since 1980 lasted anywhere from a few hours to five days.
Why did the government shut down in 2025? What causes a government shutdown?
Federal government agencies and programs rely on annual funding appropriations passed by Congress. A government shutdown occurs when non-essential discretionary federal programs close due to a lack of funding following Congress’s failure to agree on a budget or temporary funding measures.
During a government shutdown, federal workers considered nonessential stopped coming to work and getting paid. Essential workers in fields such as law enforcement and the military stay on the job without pay, and both groups are eventually reimbursed when the government reopens.
USA TODAY reported that a main sticking point in the 2025 shutdown negotiations revolves around Medicaid funding, as many Democrats have pushed to reverse recent cuts to the program enacted as part of Trump’s major tax and spending law.
Obamacare subsidies set to expire at the end of the year are also a main talking point. If Congress doesn’t intervene, millions could see their health care premiums rise.
Maria Francis, USA TODAY NETWORK, contributed to this report.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: How long will the government shutdown last? Latest updates, odds
