President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption

President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill, ending a record 43-day federal shutdown. The shutdown had caused significant financial stress for federal workers, stranded travelers, and led to increased demand at food banks. The lengthy disruption magnified partisan divisions, with President Trump taking unilateral actions and blaming Democrats for the situation, urging voters to remember their role in upcoming elections. The legislation passed the House on a largely party-line vote after the Senate had previously approved it. The core dispute revolved around Democrats' demand to extend enhanced tax credits that lower health coverage costs under the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, which were set to expire. Republicans preferred to address this as a separate policy issue at a later time. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the shutdown's impact, with Republicans accusing Democrats of using the ensuing pain to leverage a policy win. Democrats countered by highlighting Republican-backed tax breaks that largely benefited the wealthy, while expressing concern that health care affordability for everyday people was being left unresolved. Despite the bill's passage, Democrats vowed to continue fighting for the extension of the health care subsidies. The compromise bill funds government operations through January 30 and includes provisions that reverse certain Trump administration actions, protect federal workers from layoffs and ensure back pay, and continue funding for vital food assistance programs. The legislation also includes provisions for increased security for lawmakers and Supreme Court justices, as well as language allowing senators to sue over searches of their electronic records, which drew criticism from both parties. The central conflict over the Affordable Care Act subsidies remains unresolved, with Republicans promising a vote by mid-December but offering no guarantee of success. While some Republicans have indicated openness to extending the subsidies with modifications such as income caps, Democra... download the app to read more