What's happened
The US government has resumed operations after a 43-day shutdown, affecting federal workers, programs, and air travel. Federal employees will receive back pay by Nov. 19, and some services like food aid and heating assistance are being restored gradually. Disruptions impacted millions nationwide.
What's behind the headline?
The shutdown exposes the fragility of US fiscal politics, where partisan disputes override the needs of ordinary Americans. The disruption to federal workers and essential services highlights how political infighting can have tangible, widespread consequences. The reopening process will be gradual, with many systems still recovering. The political landscape remains tense, with ongoing debates over funding priorities and social safety nets. The economic impact, estimated at $14 billion per week, underscores the high cost of political deadlock. Future shutdowns are likely unless structural reforms address the underlying partisan gridlock, which continues to threaten government stability and public trust.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that federal workers missed $16 billion in wages, with pay expected to be restored by Nov. 19. It also details the impact on programs like heating assistance and air travel disruptions. The New York Times emphasizes the economic cost of $14 billion weekly and notes the backlog of work and delayed benefits. The New Arab highlights the political symbolism of the shutdown, its history, and the partisan divide, especially noting the role of Senate votes and the influence of political figures. Contrasting perspectives reveal that while some focus on the economic and operational fallout, others underscore the political infighting and its societal implications.
How we got here
The shutdown began on October 1 due to budget disputes, becoming the longest in US history. It halted funding for numerous federal programs, affecting over 1.4 million federal workers and essential services. The deadlock was driven by partisan disagreements over funding and policy issues, including immigration enforcement and social benefits.
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