The 43-day government shutdown concluded this week as Democrats agreed to a budget deal without securing long-term extensions for Affordable Care Act subsidies, averting immediate crises but leaving food assistance programs vulnerable. Federal workers who criticized the Trump administration during the impasse now face retaliation through paid leave or termination notices. Political fallout includes family disagreements and state-level breaks from party lines, highlighting economic pressures in tourism-dependent areas.
The U.S. government shutdown, the longest in history at 43 days, ended on November 13, 2025, when eight Senate Democrats, including Nevada's Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, joined Republicans to pass a continuing resolution. The deal fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the end of the fiscal year, withdrawing an administration appeal that had allowed cuts affecting 42 million recipients during the shutdown. Solicitor General John Sauer stated the new budget renders prior lawsuits 'moot,' providing temporary relief after lower courts blocked the Trump administration's attempt to withhold benefits.
However, SNAP remains under threat from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed in July 2025, which slashes $186 billion from the program—the largest cut in history. Starting in 2026, states must cover 75 percent of administrative costs, rising to contributions based on payment error rates (PER) from 2027. Only seven states had PER below 6 percent in 2024, potentially making SNAP unaffordable in some areas during economic downturns. Expanded work requirements now apply to adults up to age 64, redefining dependents as under 14 and ending exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and certain immigrants. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, excluding refugees and asylum-seekers.
Retaliation against critics emerged swiftly post-shutdown. Jenna Norton, a National Institutes of Health program director, was placed on paid leave without stated reason, suspecting it stemmed from her public criticisms of funding cuts and politicization of research. 'I feel like I have this front row seat to the destruction of our democracy,' Norton told NPR in October. Similarly, Ellen Mei, an Agriculture Department employee and union president working on SNAP, received a proposed termination notice after an MSNBC interview. 'I told the truth about what's happening to hungry families,' Mei said.
The deal omitted guarantees for extending ACA tax credits, set to expire year-end, potentially doubling premiums for 24 million enrollees. In New Hampshire, congressional candidate Stefany Shaheen opposed her mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen's vote, citing risks to 36,000 marketplace users. 'A family of four can expect to see their premiums increase almost $7,000 next year,' Shaheen warned. Nevada senators cited local impacts, with 15 percent of residents on SNAP and tourism hit by flight delays.
Ongoing lawsuits challenge OBBBA changes, while President Trump touts economic gains amid affordability concerns. Experts like Brookings' Lauren Bauer warn the reforms could end SNAP as a national entitlement, exacerbating hunger in a nation with surplus food.