U.S. President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill on Wednesday, officially ending a record 43-day government shutdown. The prolonged impasse had severely impacted federal operations, leaving employees unpaid, disrupting air travel, and straining food bank resources nationwide.
The funding measure was passed by the House of Representatives earlier in the day by a 222–209 vote, following Senate approval on Monday.
The bill allocates funding for three annual spending measures and extends the rest of government operations through January 30.
Crucially, the bill guarantees back pay for all federal workers and halts any further layoffs.
The shutdown originated from a bitter dispute over whether to extend enhanced health care tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), with Democrats insisting on their inclusion and Republicans seeking to separate the issue.
Despite the temporary resolution, political tensions are still high.
Both the Democratic and Republican parties are already bracing for a fresh round of debate over health care funding when the current extension expires in December, suggesting the funding fight may soon resume.
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