After nearly a month and a half of suspended federal operations, President Donald Trump authorized a new appropriations bill late Wednesday, lifting the longest funding lapse in U.S. history.
The legislation, which secured approval in both legislative chambers earlier in the day, restores financial support for government agencies until January 30, allowing disrupted services to restart across the country. The prolonged halt left hundreds of thousands of civil servants temporarily without pay, airport activities facing significant slowdowns, and public assistance programs subject to uncertainty.
Repeated standoffs between lawmakers centered on medical subsidy provisions and privacy measures tied to prior investigations hindered progress for weeks. Democratic leadership urged broader healthcare guarantees, while Republicans cited ongoing gridlock and called for action on privacy-related grievances.
Speaker Mike Johnson led the House in approving the final version of the measure as Congressional frustration mounted over the lengthy dispute. Public opinion polls reflect a nation equally split in assigning blame for the drawn-out deadlock.
With the president’s signature, normal functions will now resume, although debates on unresolved spending and policy issues are likely to continue in future sessions.
