After a sixteen day shutdown, the government of the Untied States finally reopened, a new budget has been passed and the debt ceiling has risen. Unfortunately, the effects of the drastic shutdown still remain; along with the worry of what will occur February 7, the day when the debt ceiling will yet again be discussed.
The expensive shutdown has cost the United States over 24 billion dollars. This colossal loss comes from expenses caused the loss of revenue from national parks, monuments, and other public places. A loss of 0.6 of annualized fourth-quarter GDP growth is expected to occur.
Due to the shutdown, the trust of many citizens have in the government has been shaken or even completely lost. The event has caused a decrease in spending among cautious consumers. Many fear another shutdown will occur, one which may cause a drastic damage to the economy.
Government workers are frustrated at the impromptu break, they were forced to take from their jobs and other people are just frustrated at the situation of the government in general.
President Obama stated, “There is a lot of work ahead of us, including our need to earn back the trust of the American people that has been lost over the last few weeks.”
One group in particular has been hit hard by the shutdown, Native Americans. Reservations are under contract with the federal government, the government provides funds and aid to the community. Even though the government has reopened, not all of the funds, services, and programs have been restarted yet.
Brian Cladoosby, president-elect of the National Congress of American Indians, told the Washington Post, “When things like this happen, it usually trickles down to the poorest of the poor, and Native Americans, per capita, are in the lowest spectrum of income in the U.S.”
On a positive note it is relief for many that the conflict has been resolved, even if it is just for the time being. Tourists and travelers are overjoyed that spots such as museums, monuments and national parks have reopened. The biggest relief is the return of thousands of furloughed workers to their jobs.