Congress Finally Votes After 54-Day Nap, Ends Shutdown
KEY POINTS
- •The House passed a bipartisan funding package on Wednesday, ending the longest federal government shutdown.
- •President Trump's signature will restore pay for thousands of federal workers affected by the nearly seven-week closure.
- •Despite some Democrats opposing the bill for not extending health care subsidies, it funds the government through January 30.
In a stunning display of legislative speed, the House passed a bipartisan funding package 222-209 Wednesday night to end the longest-ever government shutdown—because apparently, 54 days of playing government hide-and-seek was tiring even for them. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Greg Steube (R-Fla.) voted against ending no-pay furloughs, joining Democrats who apparently preferred chaos to health care subsidies, as the bill skips renewing ACA. It funds the government until Jan. 30, reverses layoffs after Oct. 1, and keeps key agencies breathing, mostly thanks to 8 Senate Democrats who rebelled after 40 days of lockdown politics. House Democrats, whipped by Katherine Clark, grumbled it’s a sham because ‘nothing fixes Republican health care crises.’ Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer faces calls to resign for agreeing to anything. Now, off to Trump's desk to sign what possibly ranks as Congress’ slowest group project ever.
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After 54 days of congressional ghosting, lawmakers finally remembered they have a job and voted to reopen the government—but only after federal workers suffered longer than a Game of Thrones winter and health care stayed on indefinite pause.
When Congress finally shows up after 54 days and passes a bill just in time for winter break, federal workers get paid and democracy sighs in relief—but screw those pesky ACA subsidies, priorities, am I right?
It took 40 days and a bipartisan mutiny for Senate Dems to realize reopening the government is kinda important. Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer’s staff is updating his LinkedIn resignation status.
Source: Axios | Published: 11/13/2025 | Author: Kate Santaliz
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