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'We're just going to go through this again': Americans fear second government shutdown

November 16, 2025

Following the longest US government shutdown in history at 43 days, millions of Americans who depend on federal income and assistance programs are experiencing temporary relief but mounting anxiety about another potential shutdown in late January when the current funding agreement expires. Military families living on single paychecks faced uncertainty about whether service members would be paid, forcing some to make difficult sacrifices during the holidays. Food stamp recipients experienced delays in their benefits, while over 1.

Who is affected

  • Beth Johnson, a military wife and Tennessee mother of two
  • 1.3 million active-duty military personnel and their families
  • Sierra Bird, a Florida mother of four
  • Over 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP (food assistance program)
  • More than 1.4 million federal employees
  • Sarah, a Utah Interior Department archaeologist
  • One in eight Americans who receive food aid
  • Democrats who fought for health insurance subsidies

What action is being taken

  • The government has reopened after politicians in Washington agreed to a funding deal
  • Federal workers are being paid for time during the shutdown
  • SNAP benefits are being reloaded and resumed
  • Sarah has returned to work at the Interior Department
  • Families like the Johnsons and Birds are watching spending, saving money, and preparing financially for a potential future shutdown
  • Ms Bird is stockpiling food in preparation for another possible shutdown

Why it matters

  • The shutdown demonstrates how millions of Americans are vulnerable to political gridlock in Washington, with basic needs like food, income, and healthcare hanging in the balance of congressional negotiations. Military families and federal workers face particular hardship as they cannot seek alternative employment during shutdowns yet must continue serving or wait to return to work. The psychological toll of financial uncertainty affects everyday decisions and family wellbeing, with children offering to forgo Christmas gifts and families having to choose between necessities. The brief reprieve provides little comfort since another shutdown looms in just weeks, forcing families to remain in survival mode rather than achieving financial stability.

What's next

  • The funding agreement expires at the end of January, when Congress will face the same spending challenge again
  • Ms Johnson plans to continue watching unnecessary spending and saving money to build a bigger nest egg in case of another shutdown
  • Ms Bird will stockpile food in preparation for a potential future shutdown
  • Sarah is putting off spending on holidays and remodeling projects in anticipation of another possible shutdown

Read full article from source: BBC