President Donald Trump signed a bill on Wednesday that officially concluded the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
After 43 tumultuous days of federal inactivity, the reopening process begins, yet experts caution that a full return to normalcy will be slow, costly, and fraught with political challenges.
The passage of a funding package by Congress, followed by the president's signature, brings an end to six weeks of deadlock that halted essential government operations, withheld pay from over 800,000 federal employees, and left millions of citizens without crucial services.
"It's an honor to sign this incredible bill and get our country back on track," Trump stated during the signing ceremony, flanked by Republican leaders.
The legislation cleared the House of Representatives with 222 votes in favor and 209 against. Notably, only six Democrats supported the measure, while in the Senate, eight Democratic senators broke ranks to secure a bipartisan agreement and resolve the impasse.
Steps Toward Reopening and Challenges Ahead
Amid mounting public pressure, evident economic strain, and a Congress that has been virtually stalled since September, the resulting law secures government operations until January 30, 2026. However, it contains controversial provisions, such as a clause allowing some senators to sue the Department of Justice over past investigations, which has sparked new divisions within Congress, even among Republicans.
The newly approved deal not only reopens federal agencies but also ensures the retroactive payment of salaries to hundreds of thousands of public employees. It includes funding increases for the Border Patrol, food assistance, child nutrition programs, and Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Yet, there are caveats. The final version of the legislation omitted the extension of health subsidies, leaving the future of programs tied to Obamacare uncertain and setting the stage for another political showdown in December.
Implications of Reopening for Citizens
Even though the law immediately releases funds, the path to full restoration of services will not be instantaneous. Public administration officials and experts warn that the full reintegration of employees, resumption of administrative functions, and restoration of services will proceed in phases.
"Updating systems, restarting payrolls, and managing accumulated backlogs will take days or even weeks," explained a senior official from the Administrative Management Department, as reported by American media.
Key Sectors Impacted
Air Traffic Control: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic controllers will receive 70% of their back pay within the first 48 hours, with the remainder by the weekend. However, he warns that normal operational levels may take longer to achieve due to operational congestion.
Food Assistance: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will require up to a week to normalize beneficiary transfers. State systems need updates, and providers face high accumulated demand.
Environmental and Market Administration: The Environmental Protection Agency and the Securities and Exchange Commission halted their regulatory functions during the shutdown, causing delays in key industry certifications.
National Parks and Tourism: While many areas remained open, the lack of maintenance and cleaning deteriorated the tourist experience and resulted in significant sector losses.
The Economic Toll: Substantial Losses and Global Repercussions
Throughout the six-week shutdown, the economic impact was profound and widespread. Independent estimates place weekly losses between $10 billion and $15 billion, factoring in consumption, investment, tax revenue, and tourism effects.
"Millions of families could face new delays until the technical infrastructure regains full capacity," Bloomberg warned. Additionally, the international effect was considerable, as the lack of economic data created uncertainty in global markets, and customs obstacles negatively impacted exports and imports.
Companies from Latin America, Europe, and Asia reported difficulties coordinating with U.S. agencies.
Unresolved Issues and the Prospect of Future Conflicts
Although the shutdown has ended, the budget agreement does not address underlying issues. Key decisions remain unresolved:
Healthcare Subsidies: The expiration of Obamacare tax credits in December foreshadows a direct confrontation between the White House and the Democratic opposition.
Healthcare Reform: Trump has reintroduced his proposal to reform the healthcare system. "Obamacare was a disaster... We can do much better," he stated. His intention is to eliminate payments to insurance companies and redirect funds "directly to the people."
Agricultural Budget and Energy Credits: Other fundamental projects for the rural economy and energy transition also face imminent deadlines.
Epstein Case: In an unexpected twist, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to advance a bill requiring the Department of Justice to declassify all files related to Jeffrey Epstein, after securing the minimum 218 signatures to force a vote.
The episode has exposed the vulnerability of the American political system. The use of shutdowns as a pressure tool, by both the White House and Congress, highlights the limitations of a model where partisan differences can completely paralyze government operations.
"If we eliminated the filibuster, this would never happen again," Trump remarked, referring to Senate rules that require a qualified majority to advance certain legislation. Yet, beyond legislative technicalities, the deterioration of governance and rising polarization are behind the unprecedented length of the shutdown.
Representative Rosa DeLauro accused some senators of "pocketing taxpayer money: $500,000 each time their records were inspected," regarding the clause allowing lawsuits against the Department of Justice. Meanwhile, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries cautioned, "This fight is not over. We're just getting started."
Ending the shutdown undoubtedly provides immediate relief. However, the path to true administrative, economic, and institutional recovery will be long and fraught with challenges. The return to normalcy will depend not only on technical timelines but also on the political climate in Washington.
The pressure for lasting agreements, the specter of new budgetary shutdowns, and the pre-election tensions leading up to 2026 paint an uncertain picture.
Key Questions About the U.S. Government Shutdown
How long did the U.S. government shutdown last?
The shutdown lasted for 43 days, making it the longest in U.S. history.
What were the main impacts of the shutdown?
The shutdown halted essential operations, delayed salaries for over 800,000 federal employees, and disrupted services for millions of citizens.
What provisions are included in the new funding bill?
The bill includes retroactive payment for federal employees, increased funding for border security and veterans' hospitals, but lacks extensions for health subsidies.
What future conflicts might arise from this agreement?
Future conflicts could include debates over healthcare subsidies, agricultural budgets, and energy credits, as well as ongoing political tensions.