Donald Trump Signs Bill, Ends Longest US Government Shutdown In History

Federal offices reopen after 43 days; thousands of workers to receive back pay as funding bill clears Congress

The longest government shutdown in US history finally came to an end as President Donald Trump signed a key spending bill on Tuesday, restoring federal operations after a record 43 days of disruption. The move brings relief to hundreds of thousands of government employees who were forced into unpaid leave or delayed salaries.

Government Reopens After Record Freeze

The spending measure, which passed both houses of Congress after weeks of gridlock, ensures government funding through January 30, 2026. The bill allows critical departments — including Transportation, Homeland Security, and Health Services — to resume full operations.

The shutdown had begun on October 1, when lawmakers failed to agree on funding terms linked to healthcare subsidies and border policy provisions. Essential services continued, but much of the federal workforce remained at a standstill.

President Trump’s Statement

Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump called the reopening a “victory for the American people,” saying the standoff had “tested the limits of political endurance.” He thanked federal employees for their “patience and dedication,” promising that all back pay would be cleared within days.

“We’ve ensured that no American worker should suffer because of Washington’s gridlock,” Trump said while signing the bill.

What The Bill Covers

The legislation extends funding for key programs until the end of January, giving Congress time to negotiate a long-term agreement. Among its provisions:

• Immediate release of back pay to furloughed workers.
• Temporary funding for healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
• Restoration of transport and aviation safety operations.

Despite bipartisan approval, several lawmakers warned that the deal only postpones the next fiscal battle.

Economic Damage During Shutdown

Analysts estimate the 43-day shutdown caused $11 billion in economic losses, mostly from delayed contracts, reduced tourism, and lower consumer confidence. Major airports reported significant delays, and many small businesses relying on federal services suffered losses.

The White House said it will review compensation mechanisms for private contractors affected by the freeze.

Relief For Federal Workers

More than 800,000 federal employees are expected to receive their full back pay within two weeks. Agencies have also been instructed to address leave and pension disruptions caused by the lapse in funding.

Unions hailed the reopening but urged Congress to pass legislation that prevents similar shutdowns in the future.

What’s Next

The temporary deal sets the stage for another funding debate early next year. Lawmakers must still decide how to handle ACA subsidies and long-term border funding. While the immediate crisis has ended, political observers note that Washington remains deeply divided over spending priorities.

Closing

With the President’s signature, the government officially reopens, marking an end to the longest shutdown in US history. The 43-day impasse exposed deep political divisions — but for millions of Americans, it brought a long-awaited sigh of relief.