After six long weeks, federal employees are finally heading back to work. The government shutdown ended when House lawmakers passed a spending plan, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
During this time, about 670,000 federal workers were furloughed, while another 730,000 worked without pay. Fortunately, the new spending plan includes back pay for everyone affected.
The Senate approved the funding package, which keeps many agencies funded until January 30, 2026. This plan covers vital departments such as Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, while also preventing layoffs for around 4,000 federal employees.
The IRS is responding by lifting layoff notifications that had been issued primarily for HR and IT staff. Many IRS employees are relieved, as the agency is already dealing with hiring challenges ahead of tax season.
Interestingly, a recent survey from the American Federation of Government Employees revealed that nearly 60% of federal workers felt stressed during the shutdown. With uncertainty surrounding job security, mental health concerns were a pressing issue for thousands.
An IRS manager told staff to keep an eye on the news, hinting that a return would be imminent. “We’re getting closer to reopening,” they said. Employees are preparing for the upcoming tax season, which may pose additional strain due to new legislative requirements.
While the warnings about layoffs added to existing anxieties, the White House assured that federal staffing levels would not be reduced during this period. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the administration is committed to trimming the federal workforce but emphasized that immediate cuts would not occur.
As workers gear up to return, one thing is clear: the end of the shutdown brings a mix of relief and lingering questions about the future. Many federal employees now face a backlog of work and worry about their job security in the months to come.
Keeping the stakes in mind, experts urge the federal government to prioritize job stability and mental health support as employees transition back to their roles. The impact of the shutdown has clearly highlighted the need for a robust safety net for those working in public service.
To learn more about the potential effects of government shutdowns on the economy, you can check out this [report](https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/continuing_appropriations_act_2026_bill_text.pdf).
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