The House of Representatives will convene on Wednesday for the first time in 54 days, drawing significant attention as lawmakers prepare to vote on legislation aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The House is anticipated to commence initial votes shortly after 5 p.m. ET, with a final vote expected after 7 p.m. This Wednesday marks the 43rd day of the shutdown, which has already surpassed the previous record of 35 days.
On Monday morning, House Speaker Mike Johnson urged members to return to Washington, D.C., as travel delays continue to impact the nation. The House has been out of session since September 19, creating a prolonged period without legislative activity amidst the ongoing crisis.
The Senate successfully passed a crucial funding deal on Monday night, which will finance the government through January 30, 2026. This legislation not only aims to reopen the government but also includes provisions for full-year funding for critical programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC, which supports women, infants, and children. Additionally, it encompasses funding for veterans programs and military construction, alongside measures to reverse firings ordered during the shutdown and ensure backpay for furloughed workers.
The funding bill passed with a 60-40 vote, breaking party lines as eight Democrats joined Republicans to resolve the ongoing legislative impasse. However, the end of the shutdown has ignited internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, as they face criticism for not securing any of their health care demands. Despite this setback, sources informed ABC News that Senate Republican leadership has committed to allowing a vote on a Democratic bill related to the Affordable Care Act in December.
Speaker Johnson celebrated the newfound agreement, proclaiming on Monday morning that the long national nightmare is finally concluding. He emphasized the House's intention to act swiftly, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump for approval. Once Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is sworn in, Johnson can only afford to lose two Republican votes, given that all members are present and voting. There may be a few moderate Democrats willing to support the legislation, although Democratic leadership is actively opposing it.
Despite the bill reversing certain actions from his administration during the shutdown, Trump indicated his willingness to sign the agreement. "I'll abide by the deal. The deal is very good," he stated on Monday. However, Johnson refrained from guaranteeing a vote in the House concerning the Affordable Care Act subsidies, stating, "I do not guarantee the outcome of legislation or dates or deadlines or anything."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who opposed the Senate deal, revealed that House Democrats are contemplating a discharge petition related to ACA subsidies, though he did not divulge specific details about their strategy. "We'll continue that fight today, tomorrow, this week, next week, this month, next month, this year, next year," Jeffries asserted. He emphasized their commitment to addressing the high costs of living and improving the healthcare system for the American people.
To initiate a discharge petition, 218 signatures are required in the House. Several House Republicans have also suggested a one-year extension of the ACA tax credits, but it remains uncertain whether Speaker Johnson would support this initiative.