STATEWIDE — The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended Wednesday night after the House of Representatives passed a funding bill to reopen federal agencies.

The 43‑day shutdown came to a close when eight Democratic senators crossed party lines to strike a deal with Republicans. The measure now heads to President Trump’s desk.

Indiana’s delegation split strictly along party lines. All seven Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while the state’s two Democrats opposed it.

Republicans framed the vote as a victory over what they called a “Democrat shutdown,” pointing to hardships faced by farmers, federal workers, and air traffic controllers. Rep. Jim Baird said reopening the government was his immediate concern, while Rep. Erin Houchin praised colleagues for ending what she des

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