Overview
- Most Smithsonian museums reopened over the weekend, with remaining museums and research centers opening by mid-morning Monday, according to FOX 5.
- The National Zoo resumed operations in time for its ZooLights holiday event.
- The 43-day closure was the longest federal shutdown on record, following an initial stretch when the Smithsonian used prior-year funds and then closed to visitors on Oct. 12.
- Government services are restored under a stopgap law that funds most agencies through Jan. 30, which could set up another shutdown without a longer-term budget.
- The FAA lifted emergency flight limits as agencies recall staff and process back pay, and the funding bill guarantees SNAP through September 2026.