3:08The U.S. Capitol stands on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Nov. 13, 2025.Nathan Howard/Reuters
After a duration of 43 days, the most extended federal government impasse is concluded, following President Donald Trump’s signing of the appropriation measure, approved by both houses of Congress, late Wednesday.
Now that the measure is finalized, federal departments and offerings are anticipated to swiftly resume routine operations; conversely, certain aid, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, will necessitate additional processing time for allocation.
The appropriation legislation reopens and supports the federal government through Jan. 30, 2026, with specific entities, including the Department of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, receiving funding through the culmination of the fiscal year.
President Donald Trump presents the signed financial measure to reactivate the government, in the Oval Office at the White House, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington.Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Here's what you should know concerning the resumption of governmental operations.
When will federal employees go back to their jobs
As indicated by the Bipartisan Policy Center, the suspension led to the temporary dismissal of at least 670,000 federal staff members.
A person is seen walking near the Department of Education headquarters in Washington, D.C., according to a file photo dated March 12, 2025.Win McNamee/Getty Images, FILE
It is expected that employees on furlough will promptly head back to their workstations and there are signs that these directions have been given to particular departments.
ABC News obtained a memo that said employees at Health and Human Services were directed to "begin duty" this Thursday.
As indicated in the memo, HHS workers will be "marked absent without leave (AWOL)" in cases "where previously approved leave is not scheduled, or where leave is not approved."
On Thursday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) further recommended that agencies consider "the disturbance in the lifestyles and schedules of personnel placed on leave."
Retroactive payment and reversing Trump dismissals
During the suspension, federal personnel regarded as essential, which included Capitol Police officers, Transportation Security Administration staff, and air traffic controllers, had to work without monetary compensation.
The administration implemented layoffs via Reduction in Force directives for federal employees across a range of agencies while the shutdown was ongoing.
Under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which Trump ratified amid what was then the second-longest shutdown during his initial term, all federal employees are qualified for reimbursement.
The legislation encompasses both personnel placed on unpaid leave and those obliged to carry out their responsibilities without pay throughout a government shutdown.
In Washington, President Donald Trump speaks prior to signing the funding bill to reopen the government in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 12, 2025.Jacquelyn Martin/AP
The financing legislation incorporates added language to overturn dismissals made by the Trump administration amid the suspension and to guarantee that personnel placed on unpaid leave obtain payment for their time off.
It also contains stipulations to halt any further staff cuts until the subsequent government funding deadline on Jan. 30, 2026.
When will SNAP benefits be given out
There is a clause in the bill that will completely pay for SNAP benefits until the close of September 2026.
Although authorities anticipate that the money will be allocated shortly, they have not yet announced a precise schedule.
A SNAP EBT information sign is visible at a Riverwoods, Illinois, gas station on Nov. 1, 2025.Nam Y. Huh/AP
While the shutdown was ongoing, federal courts mandated that the administration disburse SNAP benefits; however, the administration sought a pause on this order from the Supreme Court while the appeals court case remained unresolved.
The administration took back its claim on Thursday.
John Sauer, the solicitor general, said in a document that the "fundamental disagreement is no longer pertinent."
What time will D.C. museums start receiving visitors again?
When funding was depleted on October 12, every one of the Smithsonian museums closed.
Per information on its website, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, as well as the Steven F. Udvar-Hazey Center, will start receiving visitors again on Nov. 14.
This is a file photo of the Smithsonian Institution sign at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on March 28, 2025.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images, FILE
The message continued, "All other museums, research facilities, and the National Zoo will gradually start receiving visitors again by Monday, Nov. 17."
When will the air traffic system be fully operational?
During the shutdown, the scarcity of air traffic controllers (who were not furloughed) grew to such an alarming degree that the Federal Aviation Administration was compelled to scale back the volume of flights by 10% across 40 airports. This triggered widespread delays and cancellations across the country.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy estimates that 15 to 20 controllers have resigned during the shutdown.
On Nov. 11, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, a TSA agent verifies a traveler’s identity at Dallas Love Field Airport.LM Otero/AP
Duffy told reporters on Tuesday that in the 24 to 48 hours following the reopening, air traffic controllers would receive 70% of their pay that was owed.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday that some of the outstanding salaries had been given to air traffic controllers and other agency personnel.
According to the FAA, the payments encompassed at least 70% of their earnings for the time they put in while the shutdown was in effect.
Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu noted at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon that after the government shutdown is over, it might take up to a week for air travel to get back to normal.
Sununu stated that he does not anticipate that there will be any long-lasting impacts leading up to the holiday season.
He remarked, "I don't think any flights during the week of Thanksgiving have been formally called off. I think the airlines have been pretty closely collaborating with the FAA, keeping a close eye on the next few days to make sure of it."
Where are Obamacare subsidies at?
The Senate agreement to reopen the government, which was approved with the support of eight moderate Democrats, did not include Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which were a major point of contention for Democrats during the shutdown.
Without a deal, health premiums will jump for over 20 million Americans when the improved ACA tax credits expire on Dec. 31.
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts is seen on June 3, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images, FILE
ABC News sources reported on Monday that Senate Republican leaders had promised to schedule a vote in December on a bill chosen by Democrats regarding the ACA.
The subsidies, however, have not been guaranteed a vote in the House by Speaker Mike Johnson.
On Wednesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries submitted a discharge petition to prolong the Obamacare subsidies. For it to pass, he would need a few House Republicans to side with Democrats.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
