President Donald Trump signed a Bill to reopen the government, ending the longest US shutdown. He stated, “I just want to tell you the country has never been in better shape. We went through this short-term disaster with the Democrats because they thought it would be good politically. And it’s an honour now to sign this incredible bill and get our country working again.”
The current shutdown lasted for 43 days and was the longest government shutdown after neither house of Congress could resolve the stalemate over government funding. The House of Representatives passed the GOP-backed bill with a 222-209 vote in favor, extending government funding until January.
The shutdown led to thousands of federal workers going without paychecks, layoffs, and furloughs, while travelers were stranded at airports due to air traffic controller shortages. People also lined up at food banks to get meals for their families, among other disruptions.
In the end, six Democrats crossed the aisle to back the Republican-led measure. Only two Republicans voted against it: Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Greg Steube of Florida.
As President Donald Trump signed the spending bill ending the shutdown, he promised affordability as a key element of his 2024 re-election campaign.
“With my signature, the federal government will now resume normal operations, and my administration and our partners in Congress will continue our work to lower the cost of living, restore public safety, grow our economy, and make America affordable again for all Americans,” he said.
Trump also took a swipe at Zohran Mamdani, who won the New York City mayoral election last week, claiming that the vote for the mayor-elect reflected anger from a “far-left base” at the Democrats’ approach to the shutdown.
The legislation passed by the House of Representatives earlier includes a reversal of the firing of federal workers by the Trump administration since the shutdown began, as reported by the Associated Press. The bill for the Agriculture Department ensures that citizens who rely on key food assistance programs will continue to receive benefits without interruption throughout the year.
The new package includes $203.5 million to boost security for lawmakers and an additional $28 million for the security of Supreme Court justices.
One of the biggest concerns for the residents was the expiring enhanced tax credit that makes health insurance more affordable through the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces. Without the enhanced tax credit, premiums would more than double for millions of Americans.
More than two million people could lose health insurance coverage altogether next year, according to projections by the Congressional Budget Office. It is unclear whether the parties will find any common ground on the issue of healthcare, which is expected to go to a vote in the Senate.
