The Government Shutdown is Over, but Concerns Linger

The Daily Scoop Podcast
Host: Billy Mitchell
Date: November 13, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Billy Mitchell unpacks the implications of the recent government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history at 43 days—which has now ended. He discusses the aftermath, including which parts of the federal government have secured full-year funding and which still face uncertainty, and explores new stipulations attached to Veterans Affairs’ troubled Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. The episode offers insights into the ongoing impact on federal services, the workforce, and the intersection of technology and policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Shutdown Ends… But for How Long?

[00:17 - 01:52]

• President Donald Trump signed the legislative spending package to reopen the federal government after 43 days—the longest shutdown in history.
• The bill passed the House 222-209 and brings a “step in a positive direction,” though concerns remain about the future.
• Lingering threats: The continuing resolution for many agencies expires at the end of January, raising the possibility of another shutdown in early 2026.
  • Agencies including Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, FDA, and the Legislative branch have full appropriations through fiscal 2026.
  • Other agencies remain on short-term funding.

“While the reopening of government is certainly a step in a positive direction, it comes with some continued lingering questions. First and foremost... whether much of the government will be right back facing the threat of another shutdown come the end of January…”
— Billy Mitchell [00:37]

2. Slow Recovery for Services and Workforce

[01:52 - 02:45]

• Despite the “doors [being] officially back open for business,” returning to full operational capacity will take time.
• Critical functions like air travel operations and SNAP benefits will need time to normalize.
• Delays expected in paying furloughed federal employees.
• Unresolved issues: Fate of federal workers removed via reductions in force since October 1st is unclear.

“It’s not clear yet what the end of the shutdown could mean for federal employees who were removed from their jobs via reductions in force since October 1.”
— Billy Mitchell [02:21]

3. VA EHR Modernization Faces Stricter Oversight

[02:45 - 06:16]

• The new spending package includes $3.4 billion for the VA’s Electronic Health Records modernization, but 30% of funds are withheld until the agency provides updated timeline and cost estimates.
• The VA Secretary must submit a life cycle cost estimate by June 1st, including an accelerated deployment plan for nine facilities, detailed deployment schedules, and updated staffing/resource projections.
• Funding is conditional on:
  • Achieving “four consecutive successful site deployments without delays or patient harm.”
  • Certification that all facilities using the EHR exceed “healthcare performance metrics.”
• The context:
  • Senate staff was informed in 2023 that EHR complications contributed to six catastrophic harm cases, including four deaths, prompting a pause in rollout.
  • The Oracle-hosted EHR system has been plagued with usability and technical issues since its inception.
  • The Government Accountability Office noted “incremental improvements,” but called for updated estimates and planning.
• Congress is directing the VA to hold contractors, especially Oracle Cerner, accountable, and to emphasize training and system usability.

“The bill to fund the VA through fiscal 2026 will dish out $3.4 billion for the EHR rollout, but the full amount is contingent on the agency updating Congress on the revised timeline and cost estimates.”
— Billy Mitchell [03:03]

“It comes after Senate staff was informed in 2023 that the rollout of the EHR system was linked to six cases of catastrophic harm, including four deaths.”
— Billy Mitchell [04:45]

4. Congressional Vigilance and the Path Forward

[05:33 - 06:16]

• Congress remains “vigilant of potential usability problems” given the past link to patient harm and productivity issues.
• Expectations are clear: transparency, measurable progress, and accountability for contractors and management.
• The episode emphasizes the continuing scrutiny in federal technology modernization efforts.

“Congress remains vigilant of potential usability problems that have led to or contributed to instances of patient harm and reduced employee productivity.”
— Billy Mitchell [06:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “After 43 days, the longest federal government shutdown in history has ended.”
  — Billy Mitchell [00:19]
• “Make sure to keep a close eye on FedScoop as we follow emerging post-shutdown developments going forward.”
  — Billy Mitchell [02:44]
• “Lawmakers said that while they are encouraged by recent deployment efforts, Congress remains vigilant of potential usability problems that have led to or contributed to instances of patient harm and reduced employee productivity.”
  — Billy Mitchell [06:02]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – 00:37: Shutdown ends, bill overview.
• 00:38 – 01:52: Lingering shutdown risks, future deadlines.
• 01:53 – 02:45: Service recovery, employee impacts.
• 02:46 – 06:16: VA EHR funding conditions, oversight, and past challenges.

Summary Tone

Billy Mitchell maintains a measured, analytical, and news-focused tone throughout. The episode is concise, factual, and neutral, designed to quickly inform a government or policy-focused audience on urgent federal developments.

For Further Updates

Listeners are invited to stay informed on fedscoop.com for continuing coverage on federal technology and management trends.