The 2025 United States federal government shutdown — which began when Congress failed to pass full-year appropriations for fiscal 2026 — became the longest in U.S. history. It lasted approximately 43 days. The impasse was driven by deep partisan disagreement, with Republicans demanding immediate funding and Democrats pushing to extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as part of the deal.
On Wednesday night, the United States House of Representatives voted 222 to 209 to pass a funding bill that would reopen the government and extend funding through January 30, 2026. The Senate had already approved similar legislation earlier in the week after enough Democrats joined to break a filibuster. The bill also includes full-year funding for agencies such as the Agriculture Department, veterans’ affairs, military construction, and the legislative branch.
The shutdown inflicted significant disruptions: federal employees were furloughed or worked without pay, federal services were curtailed, and travel and food-aid programs were heavily affected. For example, staffing shortages in air-traffic control caused flight reductions and delays at major U.S. airports. Additionally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — relied on by over 40 million Americans — had been in jeopardy during the impasse.
Although the shutdown is now over, the deal leaves unresolved key issues. The final funding package does not include an extension of the ACA subsidy enhancements, a central demand of Democrats. Instead, Republicans promised a separate vote on the matter later, though there’s no guarantee the subsidies will be extended. With another funding deadline looming and unresolved health-care questions hanging, the risk of a future shutdown remains.
