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Longest Shutdown in U.S. History Nears Its End
After 43 days of a paralyzing federal government shutdown — the longest ever recorded — a breakthrough may finally be within reach. The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump is prepared to sign a stopgap funding bill tonight, once the House of Representatives holds its final vote.
If approved, the bill will reopen federal agencies and extend government funding until January 30, 2026, bringing temporary relief after weeks of political deadlock.
Senate-Backed Compromise Moves to Final Stage
The Senate has already passed the compromise package, which provides:
- Full-year funding for several key departments
- Continuation of essential government operations
- Back pay for federal workers who have missed multiple paychecks
More than 800,000 federal employees have been directly affected by the shutdown, with many struggling to pay rent, buy food, or cover medical expenses.
The new bill aims to reverse that situation as early as tomorrow.
Democrats Criticize Exclusion of Health Subsidy Extension
Despite progress, the legislation is not without controversy.
Democratic lawmakers argue that:
- The bill does not include the extension of health-insurance subsidies
- Millions of Americans could face insurance uncertainty next year
- Republicans avoided the issue to secure a quick shutdown resolution
Republicans counter that health subsidies will be addressed in a separate session.
White House Pushes for Immediate Action
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt,
“The President is ready to sign the bill immediately to restore federal functions and end the Democrat-caused shutdown.”
The administration stresses the urgency of preventing mass layoffs within federal agencies — layoffs scheduled to begin next week.
Temporary Fix, Long-Term Questions
While the bill may end the shutdown tonight, it is only a short-term solution.
The political standoff over 2026’s full budget remains unresolved. Congress will still face:
- Another funding deadline in late January
- Renewed battles over spending levels
- Possible repeat of today’s shutdown drama
What Happens Next?
If the House passes the bill this evening — which lawmakers expect — President Trump could sign it within hours, officially ending the shutdown. Federal workers may return to their posts as soon as tomorrow morning.
For now, Americans wait to see whether Washington’s fragile compromise holds, or whether the nation faces another fiscal crisis in just a few months.
