The United States Government Reopens After Record Shutdown
After an unprecedented 43-day shutdown, the federal government is finally back in operation following President Trump’s signing of a bill passed by Congress. This ended the longest shutdown in the nation’s history, but the effects are expected to linger.
While federal employees are returning to work, many await back pay, and disruptions in air travel may persist. The financial ramifications extend beyond federal workers, impacting various sectors like national parks and the IRS, which face challenges in recovering from lost revenue and backlogs.
Despite the reopening, uncertainty looms, with the current funding only lasting until January 30, raising fears of another potential shutdown.
Federal Employees: Back to Work, Awaiting Pay
Approximately 1.4 million federal workers were affected, with half working without pay and the rest furloughed. Russ Vought, the Office of Management and Budget director, instructed agencies to ensure a prompt reopening. “Agencies should take all necessary steps to ensure that offices reopen in a prompt and orderly manner” on Thursday, Vought wrote in a Wednesday memo.
The timing for back pay remains uncertain. Although legislation mandates back pay “at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends,” President Trump has hinted otherwise, causing anxiety among workers. Federal employment attorney Shaun Southworth noted, “Many employees historically saw deposits within the first business days after reopening.” However, some may have to wait longer as processing times vary by agency.
SNAP Funding Reinstated
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves around 42 million Americans, also faced uncertainty. The recent bill funds SNAP through September 2026, addressing concerns over potential funding suspensions. Legal battles erupted last month as the Trump administration announced a halt to SNAP funding, prompting court orders to resume payments.
Beneficiaries have experienced varied payment statuses, with some receiving full allocations while others received partial or no payments. The timeline for restoring full benefits remains unclear and dependent on state operations.
Smithsonian Museums to Gradually Reopen
The Smithsonian Institution, encompassing 21 museums and the National Zoo, announced a phased reopening. The National Museum of American History, National Air and Space Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center are set to reopen Friday, with other sites following by Monday. The institution’s beloved live animal cams are also expected to resume.
