Longest shutdown in US history ends as Trump signs House-approved bill

New York (The Uttam Hindu): The longest government shutdown in US history has finally ended. On Wednesday, the US Congress approved a bill ending the shutdown, which President Donald Trump signed. This ended the 43-day government shutdown. Under this agreement, federal employees who lost their jobs during the previous 43 days will be reinstated.

The ruling Republican Party passed the bill in the House of Representatives by a vote of 222-209. The Senate had already approved it, and it became law after the president's signature. Trump called it a major victory for his administration.

The longest shutdown in US history will finally end, with Trump signing a bill passed by the House: The shutdown was due to the Democratic Party's demand to extend the health insurance tax credit under the Affordable Care Act. This tax credit was set to expire at the end of this year. If it had not been extended, the cost of health insurance would have increased for ordinary citizens. The Republican Party was not ready to accept this demand, and ultimately, the Democrats had to agree to a compromise.

According to the agreement between the two parties, government operations will continue uninterrupted until January 31, 2026. This agreement funds three annual spending bills. Republicans have promised a vote on increasing healthcare subsidies by mid-December, although no guarantees have been made of its success.

The bill also provides that federal employees laid off during the shutdown will be rehired and paid their back wages. The agreement also guarantees a halt to any new layoffs until January, providing temporary relief to government employees.