Johnny Olszewski: The budget 'deal' was anything but

During the 43-day federal government shutdown — the longest in American history — I heard from constituents facing real and worsening consequences.

People like Michael from Rosedale, who spent his last SNAP dollars on a 50-pound bag of rice because he had no idea how far the Trump administration would push its fight to block reserve funding meant for food assistance

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers missed paychecks. Critical government services went dark: Air-traffic staffing plummeted, food inspectors were sidelined and nuclear safety personnel were furloughed. This wasn’t Washington gridlock. It was a systemic breakdown that touched every American community.

So yes — I am relieved that the shutdown is over, that workers are being paid again, and that vital programs are coming