Government Shutdown Ends After 43 Days, Sparking Criticism

The prolonged government shutdown concluded on November 3, 2023, after 43 days, but left behind a trail of discontent and criticism. President Donald Trump signed a funding bill that restored government operations, yet did not address the Democratic push for extended subsidies related to the Affordable Care Act. As a result, many political analysts and leaders have identified a range of “losers” in this situation, with the American public topping the list.

Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, described the impact of the shutdown on federal employees as deeply detrimental. He stated, “It’s been a layer cake of horror for federal employees. It’s like returning to your home after a devastating hurricane, and it’s a mess.” The shutdown began on October 1, as congressional Democrats aimed to pressure Republicans into extending health care tax credits, but ended with a lack of significant victories for either party.

Despite some provisions in the funding legislation that ensured states would be reimbursed for food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Democratic leaders faced criticism for their handling of the situation. According to Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, the Democratic leadership demonstrated their lack of power, stating, “They underlined how powerless they are in the Washington the voters created in 2024.”

While the funding bill included back pay for furloughed federal workers, Democrats were criticized for not agreeing to a deal earlier that could have resolved the shutdown sooner. Following the bill’s signing in the Oval Office, Trump admonished the Democratic Party, asserting, “When we come up to midterms and other things, don’t forget what they’ve done to our country.”

The repercussions of the shutdown were significant, including halted federal paychecks and disruptions to services, including flights. The Council of Economic Advisors estimated that the shutdown cost the U.S. economy approximately $15 billion per week. During this period, hundreds of thousands of federal employees were furloughed, and many others worked without pay, leading to economic strain for many families.

On November 3, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that the state would allocate $62 million to ensure full SNAP assistance for November, highlighting the immediate needs of those affected. Sabato remarked, “No one should be termed a winner in this disgraceful episode. If the shutdown were a play, the theater would have been empty before intermission.”

Despite the end of this shutdown, the looming deadline for government funding on January 30 leaves Congress with little time to prevent a recurrence of similar political drama. Steny Hoyer, former House majority leader and representative from Southern Maryland, emphasized the need for Congress to prioritize government funding alongside health care protections. “As we work to complete our Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations these next 78 days, I will push this Congress to do what it should have done at the start,” he stated.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has opposed extending health care credits, has not confirmed whether he will allow a House vote on this issue. House Democratic leadership plans to petition for a three-year extension of health care subsidies, which would require bipartisan support to succeed.

The end of the shutdown marks a moment for reflection in Washington, revealing both the challenges of governance and the urgent needs of the American public. As the country moves forward, the divisions within Congress will require careful navigation to avoid future crises.