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US government reopens after record 43-day shutdown
The longest government shutdown in US history ended late Monday as President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to reopen federal agencies, restoring pay for 800,000 workers and resuming suspended services-from national parks to air traffic control-after six weeks of political gridlock.
The deal, brokered after Senate Democrats abandoned their filibuster blockade, provides no lasting solution to the healthcare subsidy dispute that triggered the standoff. Instead, it offers only a promise of a Senate vote on extending low-income insurance benefits-a measure with no guaranteed Republican backing or House consideration.
Democratic divisions flare over perceived surrender
Progressive lawmakers lashed out at Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who opposed the funding bill, accusing leadership of capitulating without securing concessions. California Governor Gavin Newsom-a potential 2028 presidential contender-called the agreement "pathetic" and "a surrender," criticizing Democrats for adhering to "old rules" while Trump "changed the game."
"I'm not coming in to punch anybody in the face, but I'm not pleased that, in the face of this invasive species that is Donald Trump... we're still playing by the old rules," Newsom told the Associated Press.
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
Trump, meanwhile, declared the outcome a "very big victory" during a Veterans Day event at Arlington Cemetery, framing the reopening as a Republican triumph. "He [Schumer] thought he could break the Republican Party, and the Republicans broke him," the president told Fox News, seizing on Democratic infighting.
Temporary reprieve sets stage for January showdown
The stopgap measure funds some agencies through September but kicks the broader spending fight to January 31, when Congress must again act to avert another shutdown. With midterm elections looming in 2026, both parties face pressure: Democrats to salvage their healthcare demands, Republicans to address voter anxiety over expiring insurance subsidies that could double or triple costs for millions.
Analysts note the shutdown's political toll may unfold slowly. While Trump's approval ratings dipped during the standoff, his base remains insulated from electoral consequences-a privilege of his lame-duck status. Congressional Republicans, however, must soon defend their records to voters.
Epstein files overshadow funding deal
The shutdown's resolution was quickly eclipsed by renewed scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein case. On Wednesday, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva's swearing-in triggered a House vote to release Justice Department files on Epstein, a development that drew Trump's ire. "The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because they'll do anything to deflect," he posted on Truth Social, lamenting the distraction from his shutdown "victory."
What's next
- January 31 deadline: Congress must pass full-year funding or risk another shutdown.
- Healthcare subsidies: Democrats vow to revive the fight as expiration threatens coverage for 10+ million Americans.
- Epstein documents: House vote on file release could reignite partisan clashes.
"The best-laid plans and political strategies can be derailed in a flash."
The Meta Times analysis
