House Clears Path to End Record 43-Day Government Shutdown Amid Healthcare Standoff
It was the longest U.S. shutdown. Wednesday’s House bill ended it. Sign it, President Trump. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers were unpaid or on leave after 43 days of insufficient funds. Large national groups had to wait for or stop using vital services. Moreover, travelers were stuck.
The House voted 222–209, mostly along party lines, to pass the bill after eight weeks. The Senate approved the compromise, but the president must say yes before the government reopens.
Three annual spending bills are funded and government operations continue until January 30. Even though the government is closed, it stops recent federal firings and layoffs until January, guarantees back pay for affected workers, and maintains public services like food assistance.
Though improved, healthcare remains a hot topic. Democrats advocated for ACA marketplace tax credits. Credits help millions save on health insurance. They opposed extending short-term funding. They promised a separate vote by mid-December but didn’t guarantee success. Without these subsidies, Democratic leaders say millions could lose health insurance and family premiums could double.
In the debate, both sides tried to change shutdown facts. Republicans said Democrats promoted healthcare using government workers’ financial problems and service disruptions. Democrats argued that Republicans were wrong to pass a law that makes affordable health care hard for regular Americans.
After six weeks without funding, federal services resume. Economists say the shutdown cost taxpayers tens of billions in time, money, and unfinished work. Public and lawmakers worry about the December healthcare debate and another funding standoff.
The lives of millions waiting for federal benefits can resume. Political analysts say the compromise may only work temporarily to resolve the major partisan differences that caused the shutdown.
Sources
Associated Press reporting
Reuters reporting
Time magazine summary
The Guardian analysis
