Amanze Chinonye
President Trump on Wednesday signed legislation officially ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, 43 days after federal operations ground to a halt.
The bill restores pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, revives critical air-traffic control services, and restarts disrupted food assistance programmes.
The Republican-controlled House passed the funding package 222-209, largely along party lines. House Democrats opposed the deal, citing the absence of extended healthcare subsidies for millions of Americans under the Affordable Care Act.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe legislation had cleared the Senate earlier in the week with bipartisan support.
“We can never let this happen again. This is no way to run a country,” Trump said during a late-night signing ceremony in the Oval Office, criticizing Democrats.
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The deal funds the government through January 30, 2026, keeping federal operations running while leaving the debt on track to grow by roughly $1.8 trillion a year.
Federal services are expected to resume gradually, though some economic data including October employment and CPI reports, may never be released, leaving gaps for analysts and investors. Economists estimate the shutdown shaved over 0.1% from GDP per week.
The funding bill comes eight days after Democrats won key elections, which had strengthened their push to extend health insurance subsidies. While the Senate is expected to vote on the issue in December, House leadership has made no commitment. Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill called on colleagues to resist the administration and stand up for healthcare and food assistance.
Public reaction to the shutdown remains divided: a Reuters/Ipsos poll found 50% of Americans blamed Republicans and 47% blamed Democrats.
Beyond the immediate funding, the House also returned to other high-profile duties, including voting on unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein and legislation allowing senators to seek damages for privacy violations stemming from the January 6, 2021, federal investigation.
The end of the shutdown offers relief ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period and the holiday shopping season, restoring household budgets and federal services after more than six weeks of disruption.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
