Trump Signs Bill to End Historic 43-Day Government Shutdown

In a decisive move this week, President Donald Trump signed a spending bill that officially ended a 43-day federal government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history.

A Shutdown That Reverberated Across the Country

The shutdown began on October 1, when Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution for fiscal year 2026, plunging the government into a funding crisis.
During the closure, hundreds of thousands of federal workers went without pay, air travel was disrupted, and basic services suffered.

Expired SNAP Payments, Legal Pressure

One of the most politically fraught issues was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports about 42 million Americans.
Initially, the Trump administration planned to cut SNAP payments. But after a judge ruled that halting benefits would cause “irreparable harm,” the administration was ordered to continue making at least partial payments.
Advocates warned that any lapse could strain food banks and leave many Americans without vital support.

The Vote & Signing

The bill to reopen the government narrowly passed the House with a 222–209 vote. A few Democrats crossed party lines, but most opposed it, citing the lack of health-care concessions.
Trump described the agreement as “very good” and criticized his opponents as having “inflicted needless hardship” on Americans.

Partisan Divides Still Run Deep

While the shutdown ends, the political battle lines remain sharply drawn.

• Trump has renewed calls for abolishing the Senate filibuster, arguing that without it, his agenda could proceed unimpeded.
• On the other side, Democrats point to this as proof of unilateral pressure tactics, criticizing the deal for skipping long-term solutions, especially on health subsidies.
• Critics also warn that the shutdown’s economic toll—on travel, public services, and vulnerable Americans—won’t be forgotten.

What Comes Next