The U.S. government shutdown, a record-breaking 43-day crisis, has finally ended with a bipartisan compromise. The bill, passed by the House of Representatives, reopens the federal government, averting a potential disaster for air traffic and food-stamp funding. President Donald Trump, expected to sign the measure, faces a divided Congress with two Republican representatives dissenting and eight Democratic senators striking a separate deal. The deal includes a year's worth of food-stamp payments, back pay for federal workers, and funding for veterans, farmers, and legislative services until 2026. However, it does not extend healthcare subsidies, which will expire at the end of the year, potentially raising costs for millions. Critics argue this is a temporary fix, while others see it as a necessary step towards addressing healthcare costs. The controversy lies in the Senate's provision allowing senators to sue over phone-record searches, sparking accusations of self-serving motives. Despite the political tensions, the government's reopening is a significant step forward, but the debate over healthcare subsidies and the Senate's provision continues to divide the nation.
