After a record 43-day federal government shutdown, the United States Congress on Wednesday approved a bill to reopen the government, ending the longest funding lapse in American history.
The House of Representatives passed the measure by a 222-209 vote, with six Democrats crossing party lines to support the Republican-led legislation. Thunderous applause filled the chamber as the bill cleared the final hurdle, paving the way for President Donald Trump’s signature later in the evening.
The shutdown had disrupted lives nationwide — leaving federal employees without paychecks, stranding travellers at airports, and forcing families to line up at food banks. Lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill this week after nearly eight weeks away to break the impasse.
The six Democrats who voted with Republicans were Jared Golden (Maine), Adam Gray (California), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Washington), Don Davis (North Carolina), Henry Cuellar (Texas), and Tom Suozzi (New York). Only two Republicans — Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Greg Steube of Florida — opposed the bill.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will sign the bill on camera from the Oval Office at 9:45 p.m. ET Wednesday (8:15 a.m. Thursday IST), marking the official end of the shutdown.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hinted earlier in the day that reporters might witness the signing live, replacing a previously scheduled private dinner. The televised ceremony will symbolize the reopening of federal operations and bring relief to millions of affected Americans.
The bill’s passage represents a rare bipartisan breakthrough following weeks of partisan stalemate in Washington.
