KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The government shutdown has officially ended after President Trump signed a spending bill to fund the government through Jan. 30.

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-TN District 2, said it’s a relief to get this done to help those on SNAP and pay federal employees again.

“I’m glad that we finally did our job and quit using them as pawns. Hopefully we won’t be back in this same scenario in January,” Rep. Burchett said.

WVLT News spoke to Rep. Chuck Fleischman, R-TN District 3, ahead of Wednesday night’s vote. He said he was optimistic it would pass.

“I have been whipping, asking people, and so far I have received yes’s from every Republican I have spoken with including myself. I will be a yes vote,” Rep. Fleischmann said.

He added that he doesn’t believe in shutting down the

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