URGENT UPDATE: The House of Representatives has just voted to END the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, lasting a staggering 43 days. The vote, which took place on Wednesday, passed with a narrow margin of 222-209, largely along party lines, and comes after weeks of intense negotiations.
This funding lapse has left millions of Americans struggling, including federal workers without pay, stranded travelers, and families relying on food banks. The Senate approved the funding package earlier this week, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature, marking a crucial turning point in this ongoing crisis.
The contentious battle over health care provisions has dominated discussions, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over enhanced health care tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chair of the House Appropriations Committee, stated, “We told you 43 days ago… that government shutdowns don’t work.” His remarks underscore the sentiment that this shutdown did not achieve any of its intended goals.
On the other side, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for “using the pain generated by the shutdown” as leverage in their policy battle. Democrats, however, argue that the spending deal “leaves families twisting in the wind.” Rep. Jim McGovern emphasized that Republicans prioritized tax breaks for the wealthy while neglecting essential health coverage for everyday Americans.
The compromise package funds three annual spending bills and extends government funding through January 30. Republicans have promised a vote by mid-December on the expiring health care subsidies, although success remains uncertain. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen noted that this extended fight gives Democrats a chance to continue advocating for critical health care issues. Meanwhile, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared, “This fight is not over. We’re just getting started.”
In addition to reopening the government, the bill reinstates federal workers dismissed during the shutdown, guarantees their back pay, and protects them from further layoffs until January. It allocates $203.5 million to enhance security for lawmakers and another $28 million for Supreme Court justices.
One controversial late addition to the bill allows senators to sue for up to $500,000 if federal agencies search their electronic records without notice, drawing bipartisan frustration. Speaker Johnson expressed anger over this provision and promised a separate vote next week.
While the government has reopened, the political and economic ramifications of the shutdown persist, with the looming December showdown over health care subsidies threatening to reopen old wounds in Washington. This situation remains fluid, and the implications for millions of Americans are profound. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
