The federal government reopened late Nov. 12 after President Donald Trump signed a funding bill ending a 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The closure disrupted services nationwide, leaving thousands of federal employees without pay, slowing airport operations, and pushing many households to food banks as agencies scaled back or halted programs.
The shutdown stemmed from a standoff over an Affordable Care Act tax credit that helps lower health insurance costs. Democrats sought to extend the subsidy as part of the spending package, while Republicans insisted the issue be handled separately. After weeks of failed attempts to pass the fiscal 2026 appropriations, the House approved the Senate’s revised bill 222-209 on Nov. 12, which the president promptly signed. Trump blamed the Democrats for the impasse and urged voters to remember the dispute in upcoming elections.
The compromise emerged after eight senators broke with Democratic leadership, concluding Republicans would not accept tying health-care tax credits to the bill. The measure funds three annual spending bills and keeps the rest of the government operating through Jan. 30. It restores jobs for federal employees dismissed during the shutdown, guarantees back pay, and protects workers from additional layoffs through January. It also maintains funding for food assistance programs and provides new security resources for lawmakers and Supreme Court justices.
As agencies restart operations, uncertainty remains over when the government will distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The Agriculture Department said funds could be available within 24 hours, but did not specify when they would reach recipients.
Economists warn the shutdown’s full impact may take months to gauge. Federal offices now face deep backlogs in claims, permits, and casework, and officials say restoring normal operations will take sustained effort as the government works to rebuild public trust after the historic disruption.