House Passes Bill to End Historic 43-Day Government Shutdown; President Trump Expected to Sign

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a record-long 43-day shutdown that froze paychecks, disrupted travel, and sent families to food banks, Congress has finally reached a deal. On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan spending bill to reopen the federal government — sending it to President Donald Trump for his expected signature within hours.

A Divided Congress Reaches a Breaking Point

House lawmakers returned to Washington this week after nearly two months away, ending weeks of partisan gridlock that left millions of Americans caught in the middle. The bill passed 222–209, following the Senate’s approval on Tuesday.

Trump called the measure a “very big victory,” ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

“Government shutdowns don’t work,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “They never achieve the objective you announce — and you haven’t achieved it yet.”

The Compromise Deal

The agreement funds three key spending bills and extends the rest of the federal budget through January 30, 2026. It also guarantees back pay for federal employees, protects them from further layoffs through January, and restores workers dismissed during the shutdown.

Democrats ultimately dropped their demand to include an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit, which lowers health-insurance costs for millions. Republicans pledged to bring the issue back for debate by mid-December, though no firm commitment has been made.

“We had reached a point where I think a number of us believed that the shutdown had raised awareness about health care,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), noting that the promise of a future vote kept the deal alive.

The bill also provides $203.5 million to enhance security for lawmakers and $28 million to protect Supreme Court justices, as well as full funding for key food assistance programs through the remainder of the budget year.

Pain, Politics, and Public Pressure

The shutdown’s fallout was severe. Federal employees went without two pay cycles, travelers faced flight cancellations, and local communities across the country relied on food banks for survival.

Republicans accused Democrats of “imposing unnecessary suffering,” while Democrats argued the GOP prioritized politics over people.

“This fight is not over,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “We’re just getting started.”

Despite frustration from progressives like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy, who called the compromise a “horrific mistake,” others saw reopening the government as an urgent necessity.

What Happens Next

Once signed, the legislation will fully reopen federal agencies and restore critical programs halted during the shutdown. However, health-care subsidies remain the next major battleground heading into December’s Senate vote.

With Americans weary from political brinkmanship, both parties now face the challenge of rebuilding trust—and ensuring the federal government remains open for good.