Shutdown almost over: US House passes crucial bill
US Congress (Photo: Getty Images)
The US House of Representatives approved a bill, supported by the Senate, to end the longest government shutdown in US history, according to CNN.
A total of 222 members of the House voted in favor of reopening the US government, while 209 voted against.
Nearly every Republican, along with several Democrats, voted in favor of the bill.
The approved bill is a compromise.
In addition to temporary funding through January 30, 2026, it establishes three annual appropriations packages: for military construction, legislative branch needs, and the Department of Agriculture.
The document also guarantees the reinstatement of employees who were furloughed during the shutdown, with back pay.
The bill now awaits the signature of US President Donald Trump to restore government operations.
This shutdown was the longest in US history, lasting 43 days.
Two days ago, the US Senate voted on the final version of the bill to extend government funding.
US shutdown: Causes and consequences
The US government shutdown began on October 1, after Democrats and Republicans failed to approve the federal budget due to differing views on healthcare benefits for Americans. Democrats insisted on continuing the benefits, while their opponents were against it.
In addition to mass furloughs and reductions of federal employees, the US economy was losing significant sums every day.
American Airlines canceled 1,000 flights, as air traffic controllers, who had gone nearly a month without pay, were increasingly resigning.
Due to the prolonged partial government shutdown, the export of over $5 billion worth of American weapons intended for NATO allies and Ukraine was delayed.
