After 43 days of paralysis, the United States government has finally reopened. The measure, approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump, marks the end of the longest shutdown in American history. "This should never happen again," Trump declared, thanking the Democrats—eight in the Senate and six in the House—who voted with the Republicans.
The measure, approved by the Senate thanks to the vote of Democratic dissidents, also received the green light in the House with 222 votes in favor and 209 against.
The measure funds the government until January 30, but does not extend Obamacare subsidies, the crux of the conflict that led to the government shutdown. Democrats, however, vow to continue the fight. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declared, "It's just getting started," warning that Republicans could pay dearly in the 2026 midterm elections. Without additional funding, Obamacare premiums could increase by an average of 114%.
Trump defended his position, calling Obamacare "a disaster from the beginning" and accusing Democrats of causing the shutdown for political reasons. "We would like the money that goes to health insurance to go directly to Americans," he added.
With the government's reopening, disruptions to air travel should gradually ease, avoiding the feared Thanksgiving holiday chaos. Air traffic controllers will gradually return to work, allowing the Department of Transportation to lift restrictions on air travel. This measure will also allow for the payment of essential food stamps for the 42 million Americans who depend on them.
(Unioneonline)
