In brief
The recent end of the U.S. government shutdown marks a significant moment, yet the complexities of resuming normal operations will not be instantaneous. Federal workers, crucial programs, and various services are poised to resume, but delays and adjustments will inevitably emerge in the coming days as employees return to work.
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 WorkersAbout 1.25 million federal workers haven’t been paid since Oct. 1, missing about $16 billion in wages, according to official estimates. The workers were either furloughed or worked without pay in agencies across the federal government. Many struggled to make ends meet during that time, and the regional economy around Washington, D.C., took a hit.WHAT NOW: The Office of Personnel Management reported federal workers are expected to resume their workday on time, and the pay owed to them is scheduled to come in by Nov. 19, with installments depending upon the agency.### Help with HeatThe shutdown coincided with the arrival of colder temperatures, and funding for the $4.1 billion Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program was halted, prompting delays in heating bill payments.### Flight DisruptionsFlight operations faced numerous challenges due to unpaid air traffic controllers leading to several service delays, though airlines still aim to resume normal operations quickly.### Federal Social Programs: SNAPThe SNAP program, which serves around 42 million people, has been affected significantly, leading to varying distribution of benefits across states. Full benefits are reported to be expedited for those who missed payments.### The MilitaryMilitary personnel dealt with delays in compensation, particularly in the administration handling reimbursements and operational drills.### National Parks & MuseumsMany national parks remained partially operational, relying on external funding sources, while various Smithsonian sites began reopening. Immediate assessments and efforts to repair damage caused during the shutdown are underway.As operations restart, the ramifications of the shutdown will linger across various sectors, impacting countless lives.
