WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The partial U.S. government shutdown became the longest in the country's history on Saturday, as it entered its 22nd day.

The shutdown, which began on December 22, was sparked by a standoff over funding for President Donald Trump's border wall project.

It has surpassed the previous record of 21 days, which was set in 1996 when President Bill Clinton was in office.