Nov. 13 marked the end of the United States’ historic shutdown that lasted for 43 days. This has been the longest shutdown that the country has ever had, the previous record being 35 days in 2019. Since Oct. 1, many of the government’s functions, policies, and benefits have either been at risk at ending or have been postponed until a national budget is decided.
How did our Government Shut Down?
Every year, the federal government has the task of deciding on a national budget. Once an official budget is decided, it gets sent to the president to be signed into law. If this budget is not decided before Oct. 1 of every year, then the government shuts down. This timer is based on Eastern Standard Time, so the government shut down in California on Sep. 30 at 9 pm.
The initial debate that led to disagreement and the eventual shutdown of the government revolved around health care.
During the summer, the Republican party passed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ which cut a lot of funding for health care and food benefit programs for the working class. According to several news sources, the Democratic party has been fighting to bring extra funding to these programs with little success.
What were the Effects of the Shutdown?
A lot of the U.S.’s declining functions were clearly visible within one week into the shutdown. From delayed and cancelled flights, to furloughed workers, and especially the scares related to SNAP benefits—many Americans had countless fears about the sudden decline of the country’s most important features.
During the latter part of October, especially, concerns regarding SNAP benefits were the main topic within people’s minds. There were many families who depended heavily on these benefits for a multitude of reasons. Usually, the benefits reload during the first 10 days of a month, and while it followed through at the beginning of this month, not everyone received their benefits. However, California was one of the few states that were able to give out these benefits.
What do we Expect from the Government’s Reopening?
A bill voted by the House and signed into legislation extended government funding until Jan. 30. Because of this bill, federal workers’ furlough pay will end and their risk for being fired Americans is reduced. However, Democrats were unable to win health care tax credits for benefits for the next budget year, disappointing many. Americans are hoping to see government funding for health care in the near future; however, for now, people hold their breaths as they await for the next steps that follow this sudden reopening.
This article was written by a student with limited information. If you would like to read more about the government shutdown and its future plans in detail, these websites were used as reference and information for this article.
https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/11/politics/spending-bill-government-shutdown-end
https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/12/politics/government-shutdown-funding-bill-house-vote
