Government reopens as services resume and economic impact unfolds

The reopening of the federal government is already having real effects on Americans.

(CNN)- The reopening of the federal government is already having real effects on Americans today, as more services resume with the return of furloughed federal workers. Those employees are set to receive backpay, and economists say the country could see a short-term rebound.

“Even though it gets made up in the measured GDP data, the real human impact is never fully recovered,” said former Labor Department chief economist Betsey Stevenson.

But renewed concerns are emerging over health care. For Americans on Obamacare, the end of the shutdown could bring a steep rise in insurance costs. The funding bill does not guarantee an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, which could lead premiums to more than double for many families.

Democratic leaders say the fight is far from over. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said, “Either Republicans finally decide to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits this year, or the American people will throw Republicans out of their jobs next year.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson argues reforms must come first, saying, “Am I gonna guarantee a vote on ACA, unreformed, COVID-era subsidies that is just a boondoggle to insurance companies and robs the taxpayer? We got a lot of work to do on that.”

There is still no clear timeline for when flight schedules will return to normal as air traffic controller staffing remains strained. But for families relying on food assistance, SNAP benefits should resume soon.

“Food should not be up for a bargain. Everyone should have the right to eat,” said SNAP recipient Najee Kinard.

Many federal programs are now funded through January, and President Trump is urging Senate Republicans to act quickly to limit Democrats’ power before the next deadline.