Trump Signs Bill to End Record 43-Day Government Shutdown

Feb 4, 2026, 2:22 AM

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President Donald Trump signed a funding bill on Wednesday night, marking the end of a historic 43-day government shutdown, the longest in US history. The signing followed a tense legislative process, culminating in a House vote of 222-209, where six Democrats joined nearly all Republicans in support of the measure.

During the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump criticized Democrats for their role in the shutdown, suggesting that they had attempted to "extort" the government. He urged the American public to remember these actions in light of the upcoming midterm elections.

The legislation not only reopens the federal government but also provides funding through January 30, 2026. This includes full support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which assists over 40 million Americans. The bill guarantees back pay for federal workers who were furloughed or working without pay during the shutdown, and reinstates those workers who were laid off.

Despite the bill's passage, it did not include an extension of enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a significant point of contention for Democrats. Many Democrats expressed frustration over this decision, as it could lead to increased health insurance premiums for over 20 million Americans next year. House Speaker Mike Johnson pointed out the Democrats' responsibility for the shutdown, stating that it caused unnecessary hardship for families and federal employees.

The closure resulted in widespread disruptions, including financial stress for federal workers, stranded travelers at airports, and increased demand at food banks across the country. The shutdown highlighted the deepening partisan divisions in Washington, with both sides blaming each other for the situation.

Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, noted that government shutdowns rarely achieve their intended goals and warned against using them as a bargaining tool in future negotiations.

While the bill was a step towards restoring normalcy, health care remains a divisive issue. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised a Senate vote on ACA funding in the future, but there are no guarantees of success. The political landscape heading into the midterms remains fraught, with Democrats vowing to continue the fight for health care funding, claiming that Republicans have made life more expensive for ordinary families.

As the government begins to reopen, lawmakers are preparing for ongoing debates about the future of health care funding and the potential impact on millions of Americans.

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