WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, bringing an end to a historic 43-day shutdown. The shutdown had significant impacts, leaving federal workers without pay, stranding travelers at airports, and creating long lines at food banks. This shutdown marked the second one during Trump's presidency and highlighted the deep partisan divisions in Washington.

The signing occurred shortly after the House passed the funding measure with a vote of 222-209, largely along party lines. The Senate had already approved the bill on Monday. Democrats had pushed for an extension of an enhanced tax credit that helps lower health coverage costs through Affordable Care Act marketplaces, but they refused to support a short-term spending bill that did not include this priority. Republicans argued that the tax credit issue should be addressed separately.

Rep. Tom Cole, the Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, stated, "We told you 43 days ago from bitter experience that government shutdowns don’t work. They never achieve the objective that you announce. And guess what? You haven’t achieved that objective yet, and you’re not going to."

The tension surrounding the shutdown was evident during House debates. Republicans accused Democrats of using the shutdown's consequences to gain leverage in policy discussions. House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, "They knew it would cause pain and they did it anyway." Meanwhile, Democrats criticized Republicans for prioritizing tax breaks that they claim primarily benefit the wealthy. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., expressed concern that the bill left families without assurances for future health care tax credits.

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that the fight for the subsidy extension was far from over, stating, "This fight is not over. We’re just getting started."

The legislation is the result of a compromise reached by eight senators who recognized that Republicans would not agree to include the health care tax credits in the funding bill. The approved measure funds three annual spending bills and extends government funding through January 30. Republicans have committed to holding a vote by mid-December on the health care subsidies, although success is uncertain.

The bill also includes provisions to reverse the firing of federal workers during the shutdown, protects them from further layoffs until January, and ensures they receive back pay. Additionally, it secures funding for key food assistance programs through the budget year.

The package allocates $203.5 million for enhanced security for lawmakers and $28 million for the security of Supreme Court justices. However, some language in the bill has drawn criticism. It allows senators to sue if a federal agency searches their electronic records without notification, potentially leading to damages of up to $500,000 for each violation. This provision appears aimed at assisting Republican senators in pursuing damages related to investigations into Trump's actions following the 2020 election.

House Speaker Johnson expressed frustration over this last-minute addition, stating, "That was dropped in at the last minute, and I did not appreciate that, nor did most of the House members."

The most contentious issue remains the expiring enhanced tax credit for health insurance. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., argued that the credit was essential for expanding access to health care, criticizing Republicans for their opposition. Without the enhanced tax credit, millions of Americans could see their premiums more than double, with over two million projected to lose health insurance coverage next year, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

As the December vote approaches, it remains unclear if any bipartisan agreement on health care can be reached. Johnson has not committed to bringing the issue to the Senate floor. Some Republicans have shown openness to extending the pandemic-era tax credits, but they seek new limits on eligibility. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed support for extending the credits with modifications, such as income caps. However, House Democrats remain skeptical about the potential for a breakthrough, with Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut noting that Republicans have long sought to repeal the health care overhaul.