Government Shutdown Finally Ends After 43 Days
The longest government shutdown in American history came to an end Wednesday night, when President Trump signed legislation to reopen the government after 43 days. Eight Senate Democrats broke ranks to vote with Republicans 60-40 on a deal that funds the government at current levels through January 30, reversing post-October 1 federal layoffs and providing back pay to furloughed workers.
The compromise sparked fierce internal debate among Democrats, as the deal does not include an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits that the party had spent weeks demanding—only a vague promise of a future vote. Four former governors led the defection: Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Angus King of Maine, and Tim Kaine of Virginia, citing the unsustainable impact on federal workers and families losing food assistance. “Standing up to Donald Trump didn't work,” King said. “It actually gave him more power.”
The House approved the measure 222-209, with six Democrats voting yes and two Republicans voting no. Progressive Democrats were furious at what Representative Ritchie Torres called “an unconditional surrender,” and some are now calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down. (Notably, none of the Democratic senators facing reelection in 2026 voted for the deal.)
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