Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 14: The United States government reopened on Thursday after the longest shutdown in American history, a 43-day halt that disrupted national services, stalled air travel, and left more than one million federal employees without pay. However, the political divide that triggered the unprecedented crisis remains firmly intact.

The temporary funding package, which brought the government back to life, offers few checks on President Donald Trump’s ability to withhold spending — a recurring flashpoint in an administration often at odds with Congress’ constitutional authority over federal finances. The deal also skips over the key issue of soon-to-expire health subsidies, the very issue that prompted Senate Democrats to trigger the shutdown.

The shutdown not only exposed friction between Democrats and Republicans but also deepened internal divisions within the Democratic Party. While liberal members pushed for a tougher stance against Trump, moderates warned their influence would remain limited as long as Republicans control both chambers of Congress. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer now faces calls to step down, despite voting against the reopening agreement.

Workers return, back pay issued

Around 1.4 million federal workers, who spent more than a month working without pay, will begin receiving back wages from Saturday, with all payments expected to be completed by Wednesday, the White House said. Though the administration had earlier threatened delays, there is no indication that wages will be withheld.

Workers returned to their offices with relief. “I brought pastries for everyone so we can enjoy our first day back,” said Stanley Stocker at the Department of the Interior.

During the shutdown, thousands of employees were dismissed under Trump’s downsizing directive. The new funding deal requires federal agencies to revoke all dismissals within five days, pausing Trump’s plan to cut the 2.2-million-strong civil service by 300,000 positions by year-end.

Air travel, SNAP aid & museums resume

The national air-travel system is stabilising after days of flight cancellations caused by high absenteeism among air-traffic controllers. The Department of Homeland Security will issue $10,000 bonus checks to airport security staff who worked extra hours.
The Agriculture Department confirmed that most states would receive funding for SNAP food assistance within 24 hours, restoring support for 42 million low-income Americans.

In Washington, several Smithsonian museums will reopen on Friday, while the National Zoo and other facilities will resume operations by Monday.

Public blames both parties

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday showed Americans split over responsibility for the shutdown — 50% blamed Republicans, while 47% blamed Democrats.

However, the relief may be short-lived. The funding package lasts only until January 30, raising fears of another shutdown early next year.

Despite the massive disruption, neither side engaged in serious debate over the ballooning $38 trillion national debt, which continues to grow by $1.8 trillion annually.

Democrats failed to secure concrete guarantees on health subsidies but said they succeeded in highlighting the issue at a time when living costs remain a public concern. The subsidies support 24 million Americans, largely in Republican-led states.

“The healthcare of the American people is a fight worth having,” said Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia. “People now understand the high stakes.”

Republicans countered that the shutdown was a needless and damaging exercise. “It’s insane that we’re using government shutdowns as leverage for policy,” said Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick.

Economic damage & delayed data

The shutdown withheld crucial economic data, leaving investors and the Federal Reserve without essential indicators to assess the economy. White House adviser Kevin Hassett warned that unemployment data for October may never be released.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the shutdown delayed $50 billion in spending and cut GDP by 1.5 percentage points. While most losses will recover, nearly $14 billion in activity may be permanently lost.

The US Small Business Administration reported delays affecting $5.3 billion in loans to over 10,000 small businesses.

As federal employees return to work and national institutions reopen, the political impasse lingers — with the threat of another shutdown only weeks away.