With the federal government on a course to reopen, it’s time to ask what was accomplished. Did closing the government for the longest duration in the nation’s history turn out to be an effective tool for changing policy? Did Democrats get what they want?

The answer is the same as it was when Republicans forced shutdowns in the past — an emphatic no.

The government will reopen in the same spot it was when it closed, except that a lot of people will have been put through needless difficulties because of missing or reduced benefits, flight delays or other hardships. Layoffs during the shutdown have apparently been rescinded , and back salary payments will be made , but it might take families time to catch up.

Next up: Jan. 30 deadline

The next funding deadline comes on Jan. 30. Reopen

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