History could repeat itself if Congress does not reach a deal on government spending by 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
Congress is currently locked in a battle as House Republicans try to force the Senate to choose between defunding Obamacare or shut down the government. If they fail to reach an agreement, a partial government shutdown will take effect, closing federal agencies and services and freezing employee pay.
The results could look very similar to the government shutdowns of 1995. Back then, broadcast news networks covered the crisis — from remarks by President Clinton and Newt Gingrich to reactions from the American public — extensively. And with the exception of CNN, cable news as we know it didn't even exist yet.
People were just as angry about gridlock in Washington, D.C. back then as they are now, telling ABC News:
"Throw 'em all out. If they can't resolve this kind of thing, they shouldn't be in office."
"Stop posturing, do your jobs and get government opened. That's what you're there for."
"Stop being so childish about your individual goals and just sit down and reach an agreement."
This ABC News clip contains old footage from 1995, which shows federal employees leaving their offices. ABC News' Ann Compton recalled, "Workers were forced to come into work and then be sent directly home. A lot of federal workers went without pay. A lot of government services did not happen."
This clip from "NBC Nightly News" shows empty offices in government buildings and federal employees protesting the shutdown. Employees had to close down national parks and turn visitors away.
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