The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is finally over! But the aftermath isn't as simple as flipping a switch. After 43 days, agencies are slowly trying to get back to business as normal.
Federal workers are back, having missed a whopping $16 billion in wages. Meanwhile, the SNAP program that feeds millions is also facing challenges in delivering monthly benefits after many states issued partial payments.
The aviation sector saw significant disruptions, leading to flight cuts as air traffic controllers struggled with staffing issues. The government has said it hopes to restore normal operations soon, but safety concerns remain a priority.
National parks, mostly operating with little staff throughout the shutdown, are back to work as they begin assessing any damage incurred during the closure. Meanwhile, the Smithsonian, which was closed, has commenced a gradual reopening.
As communities begin to recover from the shutdown's effects, many are encouraged to check for updates on the restoration of services and support programs that help those affected most. It’s clear that while the shutdown is over, the impact will linger for some time.
