The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is on the verge of ending. The House of Representatives is set to convene on Wednesday to cast their votes on a crucial federal spending bill. This measure was passed by the Senate on Monday night, with bipartisan support from eight members of the Democratic caucus joining Republicans. President Donald Trump has expressed his backing for the deal and is advocating for its swift passage in the House. If the House approves the bill and Trump signs it, federal agencies and services are expected to resume operations immediately.
This spending bill carries significant implications for various sectors, including SNAP benefits, federal employees, and more. Here’s what you need to know regarding the reopening of the government and the effects of the legislation.
The legislation will reopen the government through January 30, 2026, effective as soon as Trump signs the bill. Some federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, will receive funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, ensuring critical services can continue without interruption.
One of the key provisions of the bill is the full funding of SNAP benefits through the end of September 2026. Once the bill is signed, the allocated funds will be disbursed immediately to SNAP beneficiaries. Although federal courts had previously ordered the administration to continue SNAP payments during the shutdown, the Supreme Court issued a temporary stay as the litigation progressed.
Approximately 670,000 federal employees were furloughed during the shutdown, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. These furloughed workers are expected to return to their jobs following the signing of the bill. Essential federal workers, such as Capitol Police officers, TSA workers, and air traffic controllers, had been required to work without pay. To address this, the Senate bill includes provisions to reverse firings initiated by the Trump administration during the shutdown while ensuring that furloughed employees receive back pay.
All federal workers are entitled to back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, a law signed by Trump during his first term. This law protects both furloughed employees and those who were mandated to work without pay during the government shutdown. Trump has indicated his intention to comply with the Senate's decision to reverse mass firings and expressed his support for the legislation on ABC News.
The shortage of air traffic controllers during the shutdown was so critical that the Federal Aviation Administration had to reduce flights by 10% across 40 airports, resulting in widespread flight cancellations and delays. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that as many as 15-20 controllers resigned during the shutdown. He noted that air traffic controllers could expect to receive 70% of their back pay within 24 to 48 hours after the government reopens.
Trump also mentioned a proposed $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who did not take time off during the shutdown, although he did not elaborate on how this would be implemented. He publicly criticized those who did take leave and suggested they should exit the profession without compensation, despite ongoing staffing challenges.
As for when flights will return to normal, the timeline remains uncertain. Trump stated that travel would improve post-reopening but did not provide specific details regarding staffing issues. Travelers and airlines alike are hoping for a swift return to regular flight schedules and capacity once the spending bill is enacted.
It is important to note that the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which were a key demand from Democrats, were not included in the Senate's bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. These enhanced tax credits are set to expire on December 31, and without further negotiations, health premiums may rise for over 20 million Americans. Senate Republican leaders have promised to allow a vote on a bill related to the ACA in December, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to bringing this issue to a vote in the House.
This developing situation regarding the government shutdown and the federal spending bill highlights the complex interplay between political negotiations and the daily lives of millions of Americans. As the House prepares to vote, the implications of these legislative actions will be closely watched across the nation.
