November 21, 2025
The federal government shutdown has officially ended. A group of eight Senate Democrats joined almost every Senate Republican by voting for a compromise deal that reopened the government. The deal funds the government until January 30th, provides back pay for federal workers, eliminates a reduction in force order that occurred during the shutdown, and tees up a vote on an Affordable Care Act subsidy extension in December.
The shutdown was the longest in history and had drastic effects both nationally and here in the San Diego region. SNAP food benefits were drastically cut, leading to increased food insecurity for local residents. Chamber members including the San Diego Food Bank, 211 San Diego, and many other local nonprofits and philanthropic partners stepped up to attempt to fill gaps due to this lapse in federal funding. Flight operations were also greatly impacted, including here at San Diego International Airport. Mandated FAA cuts in the number of flight operations led to increased delays and cancellations.
The shutdown ended without a clear answer to whether Affordable Care Act premium subsidies would be allowed to expire at the end of the calendar year or whether Congress will find a solution. The Chamber has advocated for the extension of these subsidies as they are important for maintaining resident access to healthcare, financial stability for health plans, and reimbursement for our regional healthcare providers. The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are currently considering a limited extension of the subsidies or direct payments to Americans to purchase health insurance.