In brief
The prolonged government shutdown in the U.S. officially ends, but many citizens remain affected as they navigate the reopening process. Key areas impacted include federal employee wages, social services like SNAP and Head Start, and operations at national parks and museums. The federal workforce begins returning, with expectations of full pay distributions, while numerous public services gradually resume operations, highlighting the complex recovery ahead.
NEW YORK (AP) — The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is over — on paper, at least. But the American public isn’t done with it yet: Getting everything back up and running doesn’t happen all at once.
The disruption of the closure, clocking in at 43 days, varied in its impact. Some people, like unpaid federal workers, were immediately and directly affected. Others included recipients of federal funding through programs like Head Start and food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
As the shutdown progressed, effects rippled. Delays and flight cancellations started racking up for passengers as the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cut back on flights because of air traffic controller shortages.
WHAT HAPPENED: About 1.25 million federal workers haven’t been paid since Oct. 1, missing about $16 billion in wages, according to official estimates. The workers were either furloughed or worked without pay in agencies across the federal government. Many struggled to make ends meet during that time, and the regional economy around Washington, D.C., took a hit.
WHAT NOW: The Office of Personnel Management posted on social media that federal workers are expected to be back, with normal operating procedures in effect, and pay distribution is expected by Nov. 19.
Federal social programs: SNAP
WHAT HAPPENED: Among the most high-profile impacts of the shutdown was on the SNAP program, which serves around 42 million people — about 1 in 8 Americans — in lower-income households. A series of court rulings and shifting policies from the Trump administration led to a patchwork distribution of November benefits.
WHAT NOW: State officials are working quickly to get full benefits to the millions of people who missed their regular monthly payments. Full benefits for some recipients should begin by later this week.
Federal social programs: Head Start
WHAT HAPPENED: The shutdown held up the distribution of federal grant payments to Head Start programs, leading to staff furloughs and closures.
WHAT NOW: The Office of Head Start will expedite funding and directly contact affected programs to share timelines for assistance.
Military Operations
WHAT HAPPENED: Members of the U.S. military felt ongoing financial anxiety as paychecks were delayed.
WHAT NOW: Civilian staff in the Defense Department are returning to work while active-duty troops report minimal impacts from the sudden shutdown.
Transportation and Public Services
WHAT HAPPENED: Significant disruptions in aviation were notable due to shortages of air traffic controllers during the shutdown.
WHAT NOW: The Federal Aviation Administration is managing to stabilize operations and will lift restrictions once safety metrics improve. Airlines expect to return to normal shortly.
National Parks and Museums
WHAT HAPPENED: National parks largely remained open with limited staffing, while thousands of visitors awaited the reopening of museums like the Smithsonian.
WHAT NOW: National Park Service employees are returning to their posts, with assessments on damages and further reopening expected soon.
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As the lingering effects of the shutdown continue to unfold, the path towards full recovery will vary across different sectors, shedding light on the complexities involved in restoring normalcy.
