House set to vote on ending government shutdown
After 54 days of inactivity, the House of Representatives will convene on Wednesday to address the ongoing government shutdown, which has now become the longest in U.S. history. The primary focus of the session will be on voting to end the impasse and reopen the government.
Scheduled to begin shortly after 5 p.m. ET, the House will vote on Senate-approved legislation aimed at funding the government until January 30, 2026. This bill also includes provisions for full-year funding for essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, WIC, veterans programs, and military construction. Additionally, it includes measures to reverse the Trump administration’s firings during the shutdown and ensure that furloughed workers receive backpay.
The Senate passed the funding deal in a 60-40 vote, with eight Democrats breaking ranks to join Republicans in ending the shutdown. However, this resolution has caused some division within the Democratic party, as it does not address key healthcare demands. Despite this, Senate Republican leaders have reportedly agreed to allow a vote on an Affordable Care Act-related bill in December.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed relief at the prospect of ending the shutdown, describing it as a “long national nightmare” that is finally coming to an end. He pledged to swiftly bring the legislation to the House floor for a vote and send it to President Donald Trump for approval.
Once Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is sworn in, Johnson will need to secure support from at least two Republican members to pass the bill, assuming all members are present for the vote. While some moderate Democrats may back the legislation, Democratic leadership is actively discouraging their support.
Despite the bill’s provisions to reverse some of the administration’s actions during the shutdown, President Trump has indicated his willingness to sign it, calling the deal “very good.” However, Speaker Johnson has not committed to holding a vote on the Affordable Care Act subsidies, leaving the issue unresolved.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who opposed the Senate deal, hinted at a possible discharge petition related to ACA subsidies. This move would require 218 signatures to force a vote in the House, potentially signaling further debate on healthcare reform in the near future.
As the House prepares to return to session and address the government shutdown, the political landscape remains uncertain. With competing interests and ongoing debates, the path to resolving the shutdown and addressing key policy issues remains complex and challenging.
