The US House of Representatives has approved a Continuing Resolution (CR) by a margin of 222-209 to fund the government and officially end the longest
shutdown in American history. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law later tonight. The House had previously passed a similar funding measure in September, but after the Senate introduced new provisions, it required another vote for final approval. The updated resolution will extend government funding at current levels through January 2026, giving lawmakers time to negotiate a longer-term budget deal. One of the Senate’s added provisions, allowing senators to sue the US government for up to $500,000 if their electronic records are accessed without their knowledge, has drawn criticism from several House Republicans. GOP members have already signaled plans to introduce legislation to repeal that clause once the government is fully reopened. The Senate passed the funding bill after a group of eight senators (seven Democrats and one independent) struck a deal with Republicans. Under the agreement, the Senate will hold a vote by mid-December on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies, the main issue that had led Democrats to block earlier versions during the shutdown. The final version of the bill extends funding through January 2026, includes three yearlong appropriations bills for various federal agencies and programs, and reinstates federal workers who were laid off during the shutdown. In exchange for the Democratic votes, Republicans agreed to hold the ACA vote later this year, a move that angered many in the Democratic base who wanted the issue addressed in the deal itself. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries strongly opposed the Senate-passed bill and vowed to whip votes against it. However, almost a united Republican support and a handful of Democratic votes (Jared Golden of Maine, Adam Gray of California, Don Davis of North Carolina, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Tom Souzzi of New York, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington) were enough to pass the bill and send it to President Trump’s desk. Republican Greg Stuebe of Florida and Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted against the bill.
What Happens Next?
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump is ready to sign the Senate-backed bill at 9:45 PM ET, officially ending the historic government shutdown. “President Trump looks forward to finally ending this devastating Democrat shutdown with his signature, and we hope that signing will take place later tonight,” Leavitt said during a White House briefing.
She added that the administration is optimistic, “Thanks to Republicans, the White House is very hopeful that this shutdown is going to come to an end,” she said, adding that “the damage caused by the Democrats with this reckless government shutdown cannot be forgotten.” Leavitt later hinted that reporters may be allowed to see the president sign the bill later this evening.
