US Shutdown Ends After 43 Days As House Approves Funding Bill For President Trump’s Sign-Off

After nearly eight weeks of gridlock, the US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to end the government shutdown, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The move follows a historic 43-day funding lapse that left federal workers without multiple paychecks, stranded travelers at airports, and pushed many families to depend on food banks.

House lawmakers returned to Washington this week after almost two months away. Using their narrow majority, Republicans passed the measure 222-209, largely along party lines. The Senate had already approved the legislation, clearing the way for final enactment.

Democrats Push for Health Care Tax Credit Extension

Democrats wanted to include an extension of an enhanced tax credit expiring at the end of the year that reduces health coverage costs under the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. They refused to support any short-term spending bill that did not include that provision. Republicans argued the matter should be debated separately from funding legislation.

"We told you 43 days ago from bitter experience that government shutdowns don't work," said Rep. Tom Cole, Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "They never achieve the objective that you announce. And guess what? You haven't achieved that objective yet, and you're not going to."

Shutdown Exposes Deep Partisan Divide in Congress

The 43-day shutdown highlighted the sharp partisan divisions within Congress, a reality reflected in Wednesday's debate on the House floor. Republicans accused Democrats of using the pain caused by the shutdown to win leverage in policy disputes. "They knew it would cause pain and they did it anyway," said House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Democrats countered that Republicans had earlier rushed to pass tax breaks benefiting the wealthy while neglecting relief for working families. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said the bill "leaves families twisting in the wind with zero guarantee there will ever, ever be a vote to extend tax credits to help everyday people pay for their health care."

Despite setbacks, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries vowed to continue pressing for the subsidy extension. "This fight is not over," Jeffries said. "We're just getting started."

(With inputs from AP)