Post by : Rameen Ariff

Washington D.C. — A budget bill aimed at ending the longest shutdown in US history is heading to the House of Representatives for a pivotal vote on Wednesday, raising hopes of reopening federal agencies after a 43-day funding deadlock.

The legislation, approved by the Senate earlier this week, would fund government operations for two months. Republican leaders expressed confidence the plan would pass the House despite their slim majority, while top Democrats have vowed to oppose it. President Donald Trump has indicated he will sign the bill into law, saying, “We’re opening up our country. Should have never been closed.”

The shutdown, which began on October 1, has left over a million federal employees unpaid, halted food stamps for low-income Americans, and disrupted air travel during the busy Thanksgiving season. On Tuesday alone, nearly 1,200 flights were canceled as unpaid air traffic controllers called in sick due to the impasse.

Lawmakers returned to Washington by unconventional means due to travel disruptions. Congressman Rick Crawford of Arkansas carpooled with a colleague, while Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin rode a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on a 16-hour journey to the capital.

The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in a procedural party-line vote of 8-4 early Wednesday morning. Republicans rejected Democratic amendments that sought to extend health insurance subsidies for millions of Americans, a major point of contention during the shutdown. The full House is expected to debate the bill for one hour before casting votes at 4:00 p.m. EST (21:00 GMT).

House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the proposal, calling it a “reckless Republican effort” that increases costs for everyday Americans. Some Democrats have criticized Senate Democrats for supporting the bill, which passed despite their objections.

The legislation also leaves open questions about the extension of health insurance tax credits, a priority for Democrats. Republicans have agreed only to hold a vote on these subsidies in December, with no guarantee of passage.

Once the shutdown ends, government funding would be secured only until January 30, leaving lawmakers just two months to avoid the next potential impasse. Political fallout continues for both parties, with opinion polls suggesting Republicans shoulder slightly more blame, while Democrats remain divided over strategy.

The vote Wednesday represents a crucial moment in US politics, offering a chance to end a damaging shutdown that has affected millions of Americans while providing a temporary reprieve to federal operations.

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