After 42 days, the government shutdown has come to an end.  

A government shutdown is caused by disputes in Congress. When legislators cannot agree on how the government should allot its budget, the bills that determine where this money is allocated are not passed. Each year, these bills must be passed by September 1st.   

In October, the government shut down, and, as a result, government programs like SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) lost their funding, leading to disorder and suffering among nearly 42 million low-income families across the United States.  

During the shutdown, federal workers, like air traffic controllers, certain medical staff, and even law enforcement officers were forced to work without pay. Others, labeled “non-essential” workers, were without both work and pay. Coupled with reduced SNAP benefits, families were left without the means to put food on the table.  

So why did the shutdown last so long? Why were families suffering for 42 days?  

Because the Democrats and Republicans wouldn’t compromise.  

Neither side hinted at backing down, despite millions of Americans facing the repercussions of their indecision and pride. 

Hopefully, the consequences of this shutdown will not go unnoticed. As a country, we must be reminded that compromise is crucial, especially in the face of pride and stubbornness.