As many of us know, there was a full government shutdown that lasted over 43 days. As a result, over 1.3 Million Federal employees were left without pay, and expected to show up to work with no bonuses, nothing. SNAP benefits and social funds were also forced to be cut, affecting over 42 million Americans. Now this brings up the question, how did we get here and why? On October 1st, 2025, the United States Congress failed to pass a budget resolution by the September 30th deadline, as both parties failed to reach a compromise. This led to the federal government having insufficient funds to properly function, and therefore, led to the longest shutdown in American history. We have seen government shutdowns before, but they never lasted as long, nor impacted as many people as this one.
Now, this government shutdown greatly impacted federal employees, but what about teachers and students from FDR? Well, we’ll find out.
Two anonymous Teachers and Students from FDR were interviewed regarding the government shutdown with the same set of 5 questions. The interviews went as follows:
During the government shutdown, did you notice any differences in your daily life?
Teacher 1 – “No, I did not, however I do have a brother who is a federal judge, who wasn’t getting paid in spite of going to work everyday.”
Teacher 2 – “I would read things that were happening, but nothing happened to me directly.”
Student 1 – “Other than reading about it on the news, my life was not directly affected.”
Student 2 – “So I knew it was happening, but I didn’t notice any particular changes in my daily life. It could be just me not paying enough attention though.”
Did you have a personal story regarding the shutdown OR relatives who were directly affected?
Teacher 1 –”As I mentioned before, my brother is a federal judge who, unfortunately, isn’t getting paid as a result of the shutdown.”
Teacher 2 –”I know someone who had to take a longer way home because of the airport shutdown.”
Student 1 –”I haven’t heard of anyone I know who was directly affected, but there is likely survivor-ship bias to that, as the issue was less prevalent to the people I know in New York City.”
Student 2 –”As far as I’m aware nobody I know was personally affected.”
Are you relieved that the government shutdown is over?
Teacher 1 –”Yes, I am happy because I have family coming back from overseas and I want an airport with happy staff for them.”
Teacher 2 –”Yes, because it’s silly how our government is so caught up in partisanship, that they cannot do their jobs.”
Student 1 –”I’m unsure on how the bill passed affected my, or other people’s lives, so I am refraining from forming an opinion until later. However, I am relieved.”
Student 2 –”I’m glad to hear that the shutdown is over.”
Has the shutdown impacted your workplace OR student life in any way?
Teacher 1 –”No, not at all.”
Teacher 2 –”Not really, I thought there’d be more discussion about it, but it never happened.”
Student 1 –”Though my student life wasn’t affected, I am aware of other workplaces that were, such as executive branch officials being furloughed or working without pay.”
Student 2 –”Nothing in my school life seemed different.”
Do you have anything else you want to add before the interview concludes?
Teacher 1 –”I don’t like the rise in partisanship, where both parties are so set on winning that they don’t compromise.”
Teacher 2 –”I’m tired of these partisan political battles that are like a reality freak show.”
Student 1 –”While I personally don’t know anyone who was affected by the shutdown, I do know the experiences of many who were.”
Student 2 –”Nothing left to add on.”
In summary, the responses were largely similar, with the overall trend being that the government shutdown had little to no impact for some at FDR. Thankfully, the government shutdown is now over. Federal employees are being paid again, airport staff are happy, and social welfare programs are getting the much needed funds they deserve. However, the stain of the shutdown still lingers in American politics.