Longest Government Shutdown in U.S. History Comes to an End

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has officially come to an end after President Donald Trump signed a funding bill passed by the House of Representatives late Wednesday night. The move allows the federal government to resume operations and brings hundreds of thousands of furloughed employees back to work.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 222–209, paving the way for the reopening of government agencies. Following the passage, the White House Office of Management and Budget issued a memorandum instructing federal agencies to immediately begin reopening their offices.

The memo stated, “Agencies must take all necessary steps to ensure a prompt and orderly resumption of operations by November 13, 2025. Employees furloughed due to the lapse in appropriations should be directed to return to work on that date.”

Approximately 670,000 federal employees were furloughed during the shutdown. While operations are gradually resuming, officials warn it may take some time for the situation to fully normalize. The impact remains visible across the country — more than 900 flights were delayed or canceled, and food assistance programs in several states are still working to restore full benefits.

Under the newly signed bill, government funding will continue through January 30, ensuring temporary relief while longer-term budget negotiations continue.

Shortly before signing the bill, President Trump expressed a willingness to cooperate with Democrats on health care reform, saying, “I’m always willing to work with anyone — including the opposition — to get things done.”

The shutdown, which lasted nearly six weeks, has now set a record as the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the previous 35-day shutdown that occurred during Trump’s first term.