With the 43‑day government shutdown ended, congressional action reversed planned Education Department layoffs and restored funding, yet department staff and policy observers caution that reinstatement may not restore prior operations. The continuing resolution directs reinstatement of 465 Ed. Dept. employees who had received reduction‑in‑force notices, but unions and staff point to prior episodes where the department resisted immediate rehiring and relied on paid administrative leave. Policy experts say federal grant offices, formula‑program administration and compliance work could remain disrupted, creating ongoing uncertainty for institutions reliant on federal processing and guidance. Key actors include Education Department leadership, union representatives, and congressional appropriations negotiators.