U.S. Government Shutdowns and Their Presidents Since 1985 By mbedard Period: Oct 16, 1986 to Oct 18, 1986 Welfare Controversy President: Reagan Period: Dec 18, 1987 to Dec 20, 1987 The Contra Shutdown President Reagan Period: Oct 5, 1990 to Oct 9, 1990 Deficit Reduction Plan President: Bush Period: Nov 13, 1995 to Nov 19, 1995 Healthcare Issues President: Clinton Period: Dec 5, 1995 to Jan 6, 1996 A Budget (Balancing) Act President: Clinton Period: Sep 30, 2013 to Oct 17, 2013 The Affordable Care Act President: Obama