US government shutdown comes to an end as Trump signs proposal to reopen federal services

Washington, November 13

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday night signed a funding bill, officially ending the longest government shutdown in the country’s history. The shutdown lasted for more than six weeks, forcing millions of federal employees to go without pay and halting several essential government services.

Trump signed the proposal during a ceremony in the Oval Office after it was passed in the House of Representatives by a 220–210 vote. The Senate had already approved it earlier.

After signing the bill, Trump said, “This agreement is a relief for American families. We will strengthen border security and boost the economy.” The bill funds the government until January 31, 2025, and includes provisions to reopen national parks, air traffic control and other essential federal operations.

More than eight lakh federal employees were furloughed during the shutdown, and the total estimated economic loss exceeded 11 billion dollars. The shutdown began in September 2025 after Democrats opposed funding for the border wall.

Meanwhile, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called it “a victory for the American people,” while Republican Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump’s role in ending the crisis.

The shutdown disrupted the functioning of the FDA, EPA and other federal agencies, affecting food safety checks and environmental monitoring. With the bill now passed, employees will receive their pending salaries.

The recent mayoral elections also reflected public anger over the shutdown. Voters held Trump’s Republican Party responsible, resulting in major setbacks for the GOP, while Democrats secured significant victories in major cities. Joharan Mamdani’s win in New York, along with strong Democratic performances in Phoenix and Austin, has been widely attributed to public dissatisfaction caused by the shutdown.