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. There were closures at Smithsonian museum sites and the National Zoo (although the animals still got fed).
That’s a lot of programs, agencies and systems. Reclaiming “normal” won’t be instantaneous. Here’s a guide to what reopening looks like:
Federal workers
About 1.25 million federal workers haven’t been paid since the start of the shutdown, reporting a loss of about $16 billion in wages. The Office of Personnel Management announced federal workers are expected to return to work, with delayed compensation set to be processed by November 19.
Help with heat
The shutdown coincided with colder temperatures, causing disruptions to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Affected recipients should expect aided support but may need to wait for processing.
Flight disruptions
The shutdown resulted in significant disruptions to aviation, but the Federal Aviation Administration aims to restore normal operations as conditions improve and staffing issues are resolved.
Federal social programs: SNAP
Among the most impacted was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), causing disruptions in benefits for roughly 42 million individuals. The affected states are working towards reinstating full benefits.
Head Start programs
Head Start programs experienced funding delays, with many centers forced to close or reduce services. However, expedited funding is set to aid affected regions quickly.
Museums and National Parks
Though many museums operated with limited staff, various damage assessments are ongoing across national parks following their reopening. Revenue loss from park closures amounted to significant figures.
Impacts on the military
The military faced significant anxiety over pay during the shutdown, with complications arising from reimbursements as civilian staff return to work.
Conclusion
The road to recovery post-shutdown is long and complex, with many layers of government processes needing to reconcile with the immediate needs of the population.
