On this day: December 22

Federal government partially shutters as budget talks collapse

Congressional failure to pass spending measures by the Dec. 22 deadline led to a partial federal shutdown, pausing many nonessential services and furloughing some employees while essential operations continue.

Federal government partially shuts down as budget talks collapse

On December 22, 2018, the U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown after lawmakers failed to pass appropriations or a short-term funding bill, halting many discretionary services and furloughing nonessential federal workers.

East–West Barrier Falls: Berlin Wall Opens Amid Rapid Change

On 22 December 1989 authorities began dismantling crossings and allowing freer movement between East and West Berlin, marking a decisive step in the end of Germany’s postwar division and accelerating the Cold War’s conclusion.