The longest government shutdown in U.S. history officially ended Wednesday after the House approved a Senate-passed funding package, and President Donald Trump signed it into law. Federal agencies reopened Thursday, as furloughed employees began returning to work and normal operations resumed.
The legislation extends funding for most agencies until January 30, 2026, while three other bills provide funding for remaining government functions through September 2026. The Senate approved the package on Monday with bipartisan support, joined by seven Democrats and one independent; six House Democrats later crossed party lines to vote in favor.
The six-week shutdown left thousands of federal employees without pay, disrupted air travel, and threatened access to food benefits for millions of Americans. Back pay for some federal workers will begin as early as Sunday, with others receiving payments by November 19, according to the White House budget office.
While the shutdown is over, a new battle looms over health care tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, set to expire at year-end. Without congressional action, millions of Americans could face spiking premiums, though Senate Democrats have secured a vote on the issue by mid-December as part of the deal that ended the shutdown.
The resolution of the standoff restores federal services and offers a temporary reprieve, but lawmakers face renewed pressure to address critical policy issues before the year ends
