House passes spending bill to end shutdown

The House passed a spending package on Wednesday to reopen the federal government, and President Donald Trump signed the legislation, ending the 43-day government shutdown—the longest in US history.

The measure passed 222–209, with six Democrats joining Republicans and only two Republicans opposing it, sending it to Trump after the Senate’s earlier approval.

The bill funds the government through January and restores pay for furloughed federal workers, and revives the strained air traffic control system.

The shutdown ended after eight Senate Democrats broke ranks to support the measure without the extension of federal healthcare subsidies, triggering backlash within their party. 

The package also included a clause permitting certain Republican senators to file lawsuits over investigations tied to the events of January 6, 2021.

With millions of Americans facing food aid cuts and flight disruptions, moderate Democrats agreed to move forward to restore stability.

Workers return
Federal employees are expected to return to work as early as Thursday, although full restoration of services may take time. “We can never let this happen again,” Trump said during the late-night signing ceremony, criticizing Democrats for the political impasse.

Furloughed federal workers as well as those working without pay will start receiving their paychecks. They will also get back pay.

The spending package includes full funding for SNAP benefits through September 2026, as well as funding for agriculture, veterans, and legislative programs for most of next year. 

A controversial clause allowing Republican senators to sue over seized phone records drew bipartisan criticism, with House leaders vowing to repeal it soon.

Debt and outlook
The deal adds roughly $1.8 trillion annually to the national debt, now at $38 trillion, but is expected to stabilize air travel and restore food aid ahead of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.