The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill on Wednesday to bring an end to the country’s longest government shutdown, a move that was later signed by President Donald Trump. This action signals the conclusion of a historic 43-day period during which federal employees went without several paychecks, travelers were stranded at airports, and individuals queued at food banks to feed their families.
Following an almost eight-week absence, House lawmakers returned to Washington, D.C. and utilized their slight majority to push the bill through with a 222-209 vote. The Senate had already passed the measure.
President Trump’s endorsement marked the end of the second government shutdown under his administration, which exposed deep political divides in Washington. The shutdown prompted unilateral actions by the administration, such as project cancellations and attempts to dismiss federal workers, in an effort to pressure Democrats to concede to their demands.
Democrats were advocating for an extension of a tax credit that reduces health coverage costs under the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. They opposed a short-term spending bill that did not include this provision, while Republicans viewed it as a separate policy matter to be addressed in the future.
The shutdown underscored the significant partisan rift in Congress, evident during the debates on the House floor. Democrats accused Republicans of prioritizing tax breaks benefiting the wealthy over support for everyday citizens’ healthcare costs.
Despite the bill passing, Democrats remained steadfast in their commitment to pursuing the subsidy extension. House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighted the ongoing nature of the political battle, emphasizing that “this fight is not over.”
The legislation, which received support from a group of senators breaking from the Democratic stance, funds three yearly spending bills and extends government funding until Jan. 30. It includes provisions to reverse federal worker dismissals during the shutdown, safeguard employees from further layoffs until January, and ensure they receive back pay post-shutdown.