The partial government shutdown that went into effect on December 22, 2018 became the longest in U.S. history when it entered its 22nd day on January 12. In the days leading up to the shutdown, Congress had agreed on a budget resolution, but it was rejected by President Donald Trump because it didn't include $5.7 billion for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. A subsequent resolution that included border wall funding was rejected by the Senate.

Congress's responsibility to approve federal spending goals stems from the Appropriations Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, the clause does not specifically state that the president must actually spend appropriated funds. In 1974, Congress passed the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, which established the House Budget Committee...