The US House of Representatives has voted to approve legislation to reopen the federal government, bringing an end to what has become the longest shutdown the country has ever witnessed.

The measure passed with a vote of 222 to 209, with six Democrats joining Republicans to support the bill. The shutdown has stretched 43 days, affecting hundreds of thousands of government employees; many are working without pay, furloughed, or laid off.

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Bill heads to Trump for signature

The Senate had cleared the same bill on Monday, and the House only needed a simple majority to move it forward. With Wednesday’s vote, the legislation now goes to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it at the White House later today.

The House reconvened at 4 pm local time (21:00 GMT), opening

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