In this episode, ASTHO’s Catherine Jones, senior analyst for government affairs, breaks down the 2025 federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, and what made it uniquely disruptive compared to the 2018–2019 closure.
In this episode, ASTHO’s Catherine Jones, senior analyst for government affairs, breaks down the 2025 federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, and what made it uniquely disruptive compared to the 2018–2019 closure. She explains how debates over ACA premium subsidies and Medicaid cuts shaped the standoff and why critical programs like telehealth, at-home care, SNAP, and WIC felt the strain. Jones also walks through how the shutdown ultimately ended after multiple failed attempts in Congress, and what public health leaders should take away from the crisis. With another potential shutdown looming as the current continuing resolution approaches its expiration, she lays out the decisions and negotiations to watch in the weeks ahead.
Eight Extraordinary OU Alumni Honored with Regents’ Alumni Award
JOHN SHEEHAN:
This is Public Health Review Morning Edition for Wednesday, December 3, 2025. I'm John Sheehan, with news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
Today: what the 2025 federal government shutdown meant for public health, and what to expect as the continuing resolution funding the government nears its expiration next month. Our guest is ASTHO's Catherine Jones, a senior analyst for government affairs. As she'll explain, there were some big differences between the 2025 shutdown and the previous shutdown a few years ago.
CATHERINE JONES:
It was the longest shutdown in U.S. history, lasting 43 days. The 2018-2019 one lasted for 35 days. The causes for the shutdowns were also different in 2018/19 the standoff was around funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall. In 2025, disputes focused on the FY25 continuing resolution, as well as extending ACA premium subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts. Because of the funding cycle, the 2025 shutdown had impacts for programs, including mental health at-home care and telehealth, as well as SNAP and WIC. Both shutdowns had furloughs, but the 2025 one also had RIFs, which led to ongoing litigation.
SHEEHAN:
Yeah, reductions in force. And how- how did the most recent shutdown get resolved?
JONES:
The shutdown finally ended with a deal made in the Senate after 14 failed attempts to pass the CR. The revised CR that finally passed and was signed by the president included provisions to negotiate ACA subsidies and to rescind the RIFs that were issued during the 45-day shutdown. The final CR was also combined with a minibus which included the Ag FDA bill that funds SNAP and WIC through FY26.
SHEEHAN:
And are there lessons to be learned for the public health system, or any key takeaways?
JONES:
The biggest lesson is that our public health ecosystem is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of federal government shutdowns. Ideally, critical programs such as SNAP and WIC, as well as life-saving overdose prevention programs, and telehealth should have mechanisms in-place to prevent disruptions. Millions of people depend on these programs for their health and well-being.
SHEEHAN:
Yeah, and is there potential for another shutdown when the current continuing resolution expires?
JONES:
So, nothing is off the table. The current CR expires on January 30, 2026. We'll see what happens in Congress with the negotiations on the ACA premium subsidies and health care insurance in general over the next 60 days. Also, keep in mind that Congress still needs to figure out appropriations for Labor-HHS funding, which will be a heavy lift before January 30.
SHEEHAN:
So, definitely keep an eye on the news.
CATHERINE JONES:
Definitely.
SHEEHAN:
Catherine Jones is ASTHO's senior analyst for government affairs.
ASTHO congratulates Colonel Keith A. Reid, commissioner of health for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, who is honored by the University of Oklahoma with the Regents' Alumni Award, a recognition for OU graduates who have shown exceptional dedication and service to the university. Reid earned a Master's in Public Health from OU. He's a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard and chairs ASTHO's Performance Improvement and Accreditation Policy Committee.
This has been Public Health Review Morning Edition. I'm John Sheehan for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.
