The longest government shutdown in history came to an end this past week. The shutdown has been widely publicized, with there being news of travel issues and SNAP funds running out.

The shutdown stemmed from disagreements between the respective political parties on the proposed government funding for the upcoming funding cycle. The Democratic Party opposed the bill because there were not enough funds being allocated to healthcare.

The shutdown, lasting over 35 days, marked the longest shutdown in our country’s history. Interfering with crucial government operations, the shutdown affected the lives of many Americans.

Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Zimmerman, comments, “I was flying home from New York City about three days into the shutdown, and it had me a little worried about security lines and safety- but we did not end up encountering any delays.”

With the holiday season right around the corner, many people have been concerned about what travel may look like with the government shutdown.

Even though the shutdown has ended, there will be lasting implications. For example, many federal workers are still waiting for their pay, and air travel disruptions may continue through the next few weeks.

Mrs. Zimmerman continued, saying, “Even as the shutdown has ended, I think the lasting implication is a feeling of instability and distrust in the system- especially for those who weren’t paid or had other life disruptions during the shutdown.”

While the shutdown has ended, the funding bill that they passed this week will only fund the government through January 31st. This leaves many with uncertainty about how the government will cooperate after January 31st and if another shutdown will come.