U.S. Reopens Federal Government After Longest Shutdown in History

The U.S. government is set to reopen after the 43-day shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. 

President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill after the House passed the measure on a vote of 222-209. The shutdown caused financial stress for federal workers who went without pay and affected various other areas of the country, including food assistance services and air traffic control.

The deal extends government funding through Jan. 30. Republicans promised to hold a vote by mid-December to extend healthcare subsidies.

The retail industry has responded positively as millions of workers can start receiving paychecks again.

“We support and encourage congressional efforts to successfully pass a measure to fund and reopen the federal government,” says Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation. “Getting furloughed federal employees back to work and reinstating government services to millions of families across the country are crucial steps to restoring consumer confidence and spurring economic growth. With essential functions restored, the nation can now move forward, and Congress must sustain this spirit of cooperation to further address the broader challenges facing the constituents they represent.”