Federal Government Shutdown: The Latest
Where do things stand?
After 43 days, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history has officially ended. President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan spending package Wednesday night to reopen the government, following a 222–209 House vote earlier in the day and Senate passage on Monday. Of interest to LSA members, the deal includes:
Senate passage of the bill was enabled by seven Democrats and one independent joining Republicans. While this signals progress, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy extension remains unresolved.
What now?
The House returned from an eight-week recess to pass the measure, with nearly all Republicans and six moderate Democrats voting in favor. Speaker Mike Johnson called the outcome a “Republican victory” and reiterated opposition to ACA premium tax credits without reforms. Senate Majority Leader John Thune pledged to hold a vote on ACA subsidies by mid-December, but Johnson has refused to guarantee a House vote.
What's at stake going forward?
The funding package ends widespread disruptions, but ACA premium tax credits expire at year-end. Without action, more than 20 million Americans could face steep premium hikes, and the Congressional Budget Office warns millions may lose coverage over the next decade.
