President Trump signed a spending bill on Wednesday, Nov. 12, ending the longest government shutdown in U-S history. The measure does not include Democrats’ demand to extend Obamacare subsidies. The House of Representatives voted to re-open the government after getting the measure which was already passed in the Senate.
Background:
On September 19, the House of Representatives passed a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government open and protect essential services for the American people. The measure was sent to the Senate for consideration.
While House Republicans voted to prevent a shutdown, the Senate requires 60 votes to move legislation forward. With only 53 Republican Senators, that meant Democrats needed to join Republicans to keep the government open.
Senate Democrats voted 14 times to block efforts to end the shutdown, until finally eight Democrats joined Republicans to pass the legislation. Their decision to keep the government shut down led to a lapse in funding for essential programs like SNAP and WIC, and no pay for our troops, federal employees, and air traffic controllers.
The new amended package will fund the government through January, restore funding for critical programs like SNAP and WIC, and ensure our troops, federal workers, and air traffic controllers receive their pay.
In addition, the package includes full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and military construction, while Congress continues negotiations on the remaining appropriations bills.
Reaction:
Indiana 2nd District Congressman Rudy Yakym released a statement following the passage of the package:
“After more than 40 days, the longest government shutdown in American history has finally come to an end,” Rep. Yakym said. “Throughout this shutdown, I’ve heard directly from Hoosiers about the strain it placed on families and businesses across Indiana’s Second District. This package of appropriations bills, along with Republicans’ continuing resolution, will reopen the government, fund critical programs like SNAP and WIC, and ensure our troops, federal workers, and air traffic controllers are paid. I voted to keep the government open, and I’m proud to have voted to reopen it after Democrats chose to hold it hostage, putting politics over people while hardworking Americans suffered.”
Michigan 5th District Congressman Tim Walberg released the following passage of the statement:
“After voting to shut down the government over a month ago, eight Senate Democrats have finally rejoined us at the table to pass a responsible funding deal that reopens the government for the American people,” said Rep. Walberg. “This deal will ensure that our servicemembers, air traffic controllers, TSA personnel, federal law enforcement officers, and other federal employees will receive their next paycheck. It will also allow us to continue the appropriations process for the 9 remaining appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026.
“This pointless government shutdown never should have happened. Because Democrats decided to use the American people as leverage in their political games, we experienced the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, disrupting air travel, critical services, and nutrition assistance. I am relieved that after 43 days, we can finally get back to regular order and work on tackling issues for hardworking Michiganders.”
