TRUMP SIGNS FUNDING BILL TO END GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. (PHOTO).

Trump signs funding bill to end government shutdown

 

President Donald Trump signed a sweeping government funding bill Wednesday night, officially ending a record 43-day federal shutdown that had disrupted public services, halted pay for thousands of workers, and strained the country’s infrastructure. The shutdown, which paralyzed federal agencies and left workers without paychecks for weeks, also contributed to long airport lines, food insecurity among furloughed employees, and mounting political tension in Washington.

Trump blamed Democrats for the shutdown and warned Americans not to forget the turmoil during next year’s midterm elections. The president’s remarks came hours after the House passed the funding measure by a narrow 222-209 vote, following the Senate’s earlier approval. The impasse centered around Democrats’ push to extend an expiring Affordable Care Act tax credit designed to make health insurance more affordable, which Republicans refused to include in the short-term funding bill. The deadlock ultimately gave way to a bipartisan compromise that reopened the government while deferring the health care debate until December.

The new legislation funds three key spending bills and extends government operations through January 30. It restores pay and job protections for federal employees terminated or furloughed during the shutdown and ensures the continuation of vital programs, including food assistance and agricultural subsidies. The bill also allocates $203.5 million to enhance security for lawmakers and an additional $28 million for Supreme Court justices’ protection. However, controversy arose over provisions that would allow senators to sue federal agencies for unauthorized electronic record searches—language many lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, said was inserted at the last minute.

One of the most divisive issues remains the Affordable Care Act subsidy that Democrats say is crucial to keeping health coverage affordable for millions of Americans. Without the enhanced tax credit, insurance premiums could more than double, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates more than two million people could lose coverage next year. While some Republicans have signaled openness to extending the subsidy with new restrictions or income caps, deep disagreements persist. House and Senate leaders now face a December deadline to decide whether to renew the tax credits or risk reigniting another fierce battle over health care policy.