Read on cbsnews.comHouse Passes Funding Package to End Longest Government Shutdown in U.S. History
The House of Representatives voted 222-209 to pass a funding package ending the 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The legislation extends funding for most agencies until January 30 and includes three full-year appropriations bills. Six Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure, while two Republicans opposed it. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for his expected signature, bringing closure to a political stalemate that has gripped Washington for weeks.
The United States government is poised to reopen after the House of Representatives passed a critical funding package late Wednesday, bringing an end to the longest government shutdown in the nation's history. The 222-209 vote marked the final legislative hurdle in a 43-day political standoff that has tested the resilience of American governance and impacted millions of citizens.
The Final Vote and Political Dynamics
The House vote fell largely along party lines, though six Democratic representatives broke with their party to support the measure. Representatives Jared Golden, Adam Gray, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Don Davis, Henry Cuellar, and Tom Suozzi—all representing swing districts—voted in favor of the funding package. Meanwhile, two Republicans, Representatives Thomas Massie and Greg Steube, opposed the legislation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence throughout the day that the bill would pass, telling reporters earlier Wednesday that "we believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight." Johnson placed blame squarely on Democrats for the extended shutdown, calling the impasse "pointless" and "cruel" during floor remarks before the vote.
Legislative Details and Timeline
The funding package extends government funding for most agencies until January 30, 2026, while including three full-year appropriations bills for other parts of the government. This sets the stage for another potential funding fight early next year. The Senate had already approved the legislation on Monday when eight Democrats joined Republicans to end the standoff in the upper chamber.
The House reconvened at 4 p.m. after a nearly two-month absence, with the first order of business being the swearing-in of Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva of Arizona. Grijalva had been elected on September 23 but had not been sworn in until Wednesday, a delay that drew criticism from Democratic colleagues.
Health Care Controversy and Future Battles
Most House Democrats opposed the legislation because it does not address expiring health care tax credits that were central to the party's shutdown demands. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that "this fight is not over" regarding health care subsidies, telling CBS News that Democrats will continue pressing to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Jeffries filed a discharge petition Wednesday aimed at forcing a vote on extending the health insurance tax credits for three years. The petition requires at least 218 signatures from House members to circumvent GOP leadership and force a floor vote. If all Democrats sign on, at least four Republicans would need to cross party lines to support it.
Economic Impact and Next Steps
The 43-day shutdown has had significant economic consequences, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that "our economy has lost billions and billions of dollars in economic activity" during the impasse. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the shutdown could decrease fourth-quarter economic growth by two percentage points.
President Trump is expected to sign the bill around 9:45 p.m. in the Oval Office, officially reopening the government. The resolution comes after weeks of political maneuvering and represents a temporary solution rather than a permanent funding agreement, ensuring that budget negotiations will resume in January.
