The longest shutdown in U.S. history may be over, but Congress's work is not done yet. Reopening the government after more than 40 days eases many fears but is just the first step in healing the harm caused by this lapse in funding. Now Congress must finish the job and pass the rest of the appropriations bills to fully fund the government for fiscal year 2026.
The deal that led to the end of the shutdown was made after a handshake agreement in the Senate to vote on extending the expiring healthcare enhanced premium tax credits. Congress must begin the process of extending these tax credits without delay to ensure the country does not return to pre-Affordable Care Act practices that left too many people behind.
20 million Americans benefit from these tax credits and in the midst of open enrollment, many are already being forced to make impossible decisions between paying for healthcare and other necessities. Inflation is impacting every sector, and the cost of living is rising faster than most salaries. Many families are already choosing between paying for groceries, student loans, transportation, and housing and were only able to afford health care thanks to federal investment via the enhanced premium tax credits. Healthcare and food are human rights, and no one should have to choose between necessities in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
The shutdown also exposed this Administration's disdainful position on its legal duty to provide SNAP benefits. The shutdown is over, but the States are still dealing with the chaos created during this time. As soon as the shutdown began, SNAP recipients started hearing that they may not receive November benefits. Unfortunately, the information did not get any clearer over the course of the shutdown. Program recipients were forced to track their funds through various news and alerts with many not knowing if/when their benefits would make it to their cards. Food security should be a top priority for federal investment, but this administration fought their responsibility up to the Supreme Court in a case that has since dropped off following the reopening of the federal government.
Instead of declaring winners or losers in this shutdown, NASW will continue working to ensure that all individuals, families, and communities have the resources they need to not just survive, but to thrive.