Relief from shutdown is only temporary

Last week marked the end of a 35-day government shutdown — the longest in history. But while many federal workers are happy to see money coming in again, the relief is temporary at best. With the looming threat of another shutdown or the declaration of a national emergency in less than three weeks’ time, it’s impossible to feel the recent shutdown suspension is any kind of victory.

According to analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the shutdown cost the economy $11 billion. While some of these funds will be reversed as federal employees return to work, at least $3 billion...