The Government is Open: Key Takeaways & What Happens Next
The recent government shutdown has ended, but its effects and implications are still unfolding. Here’s a breakdown of what the resolution means, and what to watch for in the coming months:
What Did the Deal fund?
The agreement to reopen the government involved a notable amount of funding allocated through earmarks - provisions added to spending bills outside of the standard appropriations process. This funding is supporting a diverse range of projects across the country, including equipment purchases for colleges in the Virgin Islands, the establishment of a veterinary doctorate program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, urban forest conservation in Texas, asbestos abatement in Alaska, and support for local hospitals, rural community facilities, youth centers, and fire stations.
Healthcare Subsidies: A Point of Contention
While the government is open, the future of healthcare subsidies remains uncertain.Moderate Senate Democrats believed the deal included a guarantee of a vote on extending these subsidies, but house Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing the issue to a vote.If the subsidies are not extended, the obligation will fall on Republicans, perhaps leading to increased healthcare costs for consumers heading into an election year.
Epstein Files & New Developments
The end of the shutdown allowed Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), recently elected in a special election, to be sworn in. Her support for a discharge petition seeking the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein now gives the petition a majority in the House.While passage in the senate is unlikely due to the 60-vote threshold, the petition’s potential passage in the House is largely symbolic. Former President trump, through his allies, has resisted full release of the files.
Notably, the House Oversight Committee released further investigative materials on the day the shutdown ended, including leaked emails from Epstein’s estate suggesting Trump had knowledge of the alleged victims. Any focus on the Epstein case is considered detrimental to the current White House.
Political Fallout & the Road to Midterms
Despite potentially upsetting their progressive base, Democrats are positioned to benefit politically from the shutdown’s resolution. Recent off-year election wins highlighted the importance of affordability, and the shutdown elevated the issue of healthcare, allowing Democrats to campaign on both fronts. With Republicans in control of Congress, Democrats believe they have a strategic advantage heading into the midterm elections, provided they can reconcile with their base.
Sources:
* https://www.npr.org/2025/11/11/nx-s1-5604818/shutdown-deal-democrats-politics-midterm-election
