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Trump signs bill ending 43-day US government shutdown
President Donald Trump signed a short-term spending bill late Wednesday, ending the longest government shutdown in US history after 43 days of suspended services and unpaid federal workers. The measure, approved by the House of Representatives in a 222-209 vote, followed Senate passage earlier this week, allowing agencies to resume operations ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Immediate impacts and air travel disruptions
Federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), had scaled back operations due to staff shortages, causing nationwide air travel delays. Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden reportedly rode his motorcycle nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) to Washington to cast his vote, underscoring the shutdown's ripple effects. Around 1.4 million federal employees faced unpaid leave or worked without compensation, while food assistance programs and other critical services stalled.
Temporary reprieve with January deadline
The bill funds the government only until 30 January, setting up another potential standoff. Trump, who blamed Democrats for the shutdown-calling it a "political" move-warned voters to "remember what they've done to our country" ahead of midterm elections. The compromise included full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture, military construction, and legislative agencies, alongside back pay guarantees for furloughed workers and extended SNAP food aid through September.
Democratic divisions over healthcare concessions
Senate Democrats initially blocked the bill, demanding Republicans extend expiring health insurance subsidies for low-income Americans. A faction of eight Democrats broke ranks Sunday, securing a promise for a December vote on the subsidies. The move sparked backlash, with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticizing the package as insufficient for addressing the "healthcare crisis." Virginia Senator Tim Kaine defended the compromise, citing relief from federal workers in his state.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va.
New lawmaker sworn in amid legislative chaos
Hours before the House vote, Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva-elected on 23 September-was sworn in, filling the seat of her late father, Raul Grijalva. Though her addition didn't shift the healthcare subsidy debate, Democrats quickly enlisted her support for a petition to release files tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Speaker Mike Johnson unexpectedly announced a vote on the matter for next week.
What's next
The January 30 funding deadline looms, with lawmakers facing renewed pressure to avoid another shutdown. The December healthcare vote and ongoing investigations, including the Epstein files, will likely dominate the lame-duck session.
