By Zach Wakefield
Becoming the longest shutdown in U.S history, the federal government has finally reopened after over a month of debate.
But those who have felt its effect the most, the 800,000 federal employees, can only breathe a temporary sigh of relief.
The shutdown comes after a disagreement between President Donald Trump and the democratic majority house of representatives on Dec. 22 of last year on the topic of a proposed $5.7 billion of funding toward a border wall with Mexico. Debates ranged from proposals of smaller amounts of funding, to protection for “dreamers”, those protected under the DACA program. After the shutdown began to drag on, federal workers were promised backpay, but with the majority of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, the promise of money seems like a light at the end of a far too long tunnel.
Congress finally reached a temporary deal to open the government through Feb. 15, on Jan. 25.
Trump has threatened to shutdown the government again if a permanent deal is not reached by then, with the possibility of a national emergency declaration that would bypass Congress.
One of the big pains of this shutdown can be felt directly behind the Peninsula College campus: Hurricane Ridge. Usually a year-round destination for tourists, packed with those seeking snow recreation or a beautiful view of the surrounding park, now sits empty and frozen.
Approaching the entrance where the usual journey up to the mountain begins, a gate blocks the road, and the usual pay station is deserted, leaving the area feeling oddly quiet and somewhat depressing.
As plenty of people come to Port Angeles every year to visit Hurricane Ridge, the effects can be felt as less tourists visit and locals can no longer enjoy the snow or nature found in the park.
With the temporary reopening of the federal government now underway, work has begun to open the road by Feb. 2.
Although the Olympic Peninsula can feel as far removed as possible from Washington D.C, the effects of politics and a entrenched administration can be felt across the country.