Federal Agencies Reopen Amid Government Shutdown Resolution Updates
The recent resolution of the government shutdown marked a significant return to normalcy for various sectors, especially air travel and federal institutions. Delta Airlines’ CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed optimism about air travel normalization. According to Bastian, operations should fully resume by this weekend, following the resolution of the shutdown.
Air Travel Restored After Government Shutdown
Delta’s CEO reassured travelers, stating, “It’s incredibly safe to fly. It’s the safest form of transportation.” He acknowledged the proactive measures taken by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during the shutdown, which included scaling back airline schedules due to staffing concerns.
“Staff, the controllers, are back to work now,” Bastian confirmed, indicating that they would receive their payments shortly. He emphasized that travelers can expect a reliable and safe experience in the coming days. Bastian also stated he had “no concerns” regarding upcoming Thanksgiving travel.
Details of the Government Shutdown
The 2025 U.S. government shutdown, notable for its length, lasted for 43 days and ended when President Trump signed a funding bill on a Wednesday evening. This historic standoff affected various aspects of government services and aid:
- 42 million federal food aid recipients were impacted.
- 670,000 federal employees were furloughed.
- 4,000 government workers faced potential layoffs.
- Projected economic damage exceeded $7 billion.
End of the Shutdown and Congressional Dynamics
The shutdown stemmed from a late September impasse, with House Republicans initially passing a short-term funding measure. Democratic support was crucial for Senate approval. As negotiations progressed, Democrats aimed to include health care tax credits in exchange for their votes.
Despite partisan disputes, bipartisan discussions continued behind the scenes. A deal was finally reached over the weekend, bringing the shutdown to an end and allowing federal operations to resume.
Smithsonian Institution Reopenings
In the wake of the shutdown conclusion, the Smithsonian Institution announced staggered reopenings for its museums and the National Zoo. Key reopening dates include:
- National Museum of American History
- National Air and Space Museum
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The above locations are scheduled to reopen on Friday, followed by additional museums and research centers by Monday. Prior funding allowed the Smithsonian to maintain limited operations for over a week after the funding lapse on October 12.
