Donald Trump ends historic 43-day government shutdown as he signs funding bill

President Donald Trump signed a funding bill on Wednesday night (local time), bringing an end to a record 43-day shutdown that left federal workers unpaid, stranded many travellers at airports and caused long lines at food banks, according to PTI. The signing took place only hours after the House approved the bill with a largely party-line vote of 222-209, following the Senate’s earlier approval of the measure on Monday.

Prior to signing the bill, he mentioned, “Today we are sending a clear message that we will never give in to extortion.”

He added, “It's an honor now to sign this incredible bill, and get our country working again.”

During the shutdown, his administration took unusual unilateral measures, such as cancelling projects and attempting to dismiss federal employees, in an effort to pressure Democrats to meet their demands.

What prompted the shutdown?

Democrats set multiple conditions for backing a short-term funding bill, with the key demand being the extension of an expanded tax credit that reduces the cost of health insurance purchased through Affordable Care Act marketplaces. This tax credit, initially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and later reinforced by former President Biden’s major energy and health care legislation, is scheduled to expire at the end of December. If it lapses, average premiums for millions of Americans would more than double and the Congressional Budget Office estimates that over 2 million people could lose their health coverage next year.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y mentioned, “Never have American families faced a situation where their health care costs are set to double — double in the blink of an eye." Democrats pushed for discussions on the issue, whereas Republicans insisted that a funding bill must be approved before any negotiations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. stated, “Republicans are ready to sit down with Democrats just as soon as they stop holding the government hostage to their partisan demands."

Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office notes that while most of the economic damage from the shutdown would be recovered once it ends, some losses would be permanent, estimated at roughly $11 billion for a six-week shutdown.

Beyond the financial impact, the shutdown caused widespread disruption for everyday Americans. Federal employees missed paychecks, leading to both financial strain and emotional stress. Travellers faced flight delays and cancellations, and recipients of safety net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) experienced halted benefits. Across the country, many people turned to food banks to access meals.

As per AP, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan said, "This dysfunction is damaging enough to our constituents and economy here at home, but it also sends a dangerous message to the watching world. It demonstrates to our allies that we are an unreliable partner, and it signals to our adversaries that we can’t work together to meet even the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress.”

(With inputs from AP)