After a record 43-day government shutdown, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed the long-awaited federal funding bill, officially reopening the government and restoring operations to normal. The bill, which was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, reached Trump for final approval, and he signed it late Wednesday night, ensuring federal funding until January 30.
The prolonged shutdown had thrown the country into economic and administrative turmoil, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay and disrupting essential services. With the signing of the bill, federal workers will return to their jobs starting Thursday, though officials said it remains unclear how quickly all government services will fully resume.
During the shutdown, key sectors such as airport operations were severely affected, causing flight delays and stranding passengers. The lack of paychecks pushed millions of American families into financial distress.
The funding bill was passed in the House of Representatives with 222 votes in favor and 209 against, despite strong protests from Democratic Party members who criticized the government’s reluctance to extend federal health insurance subsidies.
Analysts said it may take time for air services and administrative systems to return to pre-shutdown efficiency. However, with the Christmas shopping season underway, the reopening of government services and the restoration of food assistance programs are expected to ease pressure on household budgets and boost consumer spending.
The end of the 43-day shutdown marks a crucial step toward stabilizing the U.S. economy, which had faced mounting disruptions due to the unprecedented political deadlock.
