ATHENS, Ga.– Local federal employees were generally happy to be back at work today. They haven’t been back to work in nearly three weeks.

They have gone almost three weeks without getting paid. Knowing they finally had a check heading their way, it made it easier to go back to the office.

“Ive been working here for 27 years and I’ve never seen anything like this” said now local federal worker as they walked into work this morning.

“It was quiet, but now people are back,” said another worker. “Everybody is just trying to catch up on their work” Some said work didn’t feel any different, but they are aware the problem isn’t over.

“The same issue is going to be re-visited again,” said Political Science Professor Charles Bullock. “You got a continue resolution.”

And that resolution means the current deal is only temporary. The new resolution will only fund the government until January 15th, and then we could face another shutdown, but expert Charles Bullock doesn’t think the republican party can afford it.

“I don’t think we are going to see a shutdown again,” said Bullock. “Most American’s blame the Republicans for this and they are not happy with it.”

And despite political feelings, one worker told me “It’s work but yea Im happy to be back” And President Obama is happy they are back too.

“Thank you,” said President Obama. “Thanks for your service. Welcome back.”

Several of the employees mentioned they will get back-pay for the time they missed. But with another deadline in January, they were not certain what will happen next.

Even though jobless claims fell last week, The S&P predicts that the government shutdown has cost the U.S. economy 24 billion dollars.