House Passes Bill to End Record-Long US Government Shutdown

The US House of Representatives has passed a critical bill to end the longest government shutdown in American history. The measure was approved on Wednesday and now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature. This action is set to immediately reopen federal agencies and restore pay for hundreds of thousands of workers.

According to Reuters, the passage of H.R. 5371 marks a decisive step toward normalizing government operations. The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to enact funding bills for the new fiscal year.

What H.R. 5371 Means for Federal Operations

H.R. 5371 is formally known as the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026. It provides temporary funding for most federal agencies through January 30, 2026. This type of legislation is commonly called a continuing resolution, or CR.

The bill funds programs at their previous fiscal year levels. It includes full-year appropriations for specific departments like Agriculture and Veterans Affairs. This strategic move ensures stability for essential services.

The legislation guarantees back pay for all federal employees who worked without compensation. It also blocks agencies from conducting layoffs related to the funding lapse. This provision offers immediate financial relief to affected families.

Broader Impact and Next Steps

The bill’s passage concludes a period of significant uncertainty for government services. National parks, passport agencies, and various regulatory functions are expected to resume quickly. The economic impact of the shutdown is still being calculated.

For the American public, this means a return to normalcy in federal service delivery. The resolution also extends key authorities for public health and cybersecurity programs. This ensures continuity in critical national security and safety nets.

The end of this historic government shutdown brings relief to millions, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges in the federal budget process. Lawmakers now face a new deadline to pass full-year spending bills early next year.

Thought you’d like to know

What does a continuing resolution do?

A continuing resolution temporarily funds the government at existing levels. It prevents a shutdown when new budgets are not passed on time. This is a stopgap measure, not a permanent funding solution.

When will federal employees receive back pay?

Federal employees should receive their back pay very quickly. Agencies are mandated to process payroll as a top priority. Most workers can expect payment within their next scheduled pay cycle.

Which government agencies were affected by the shutdown?

Many non-essential agencies faced partial or full closures. This included national parks, some regulatory bodies, and various administrative services. Essential services like national security and air traffic control continued operating.

Could another shutdown happen in January 2026?

Yes, another funding gap is possible if Congress fails to act before the new deadline. The current bill only provides temporary funding through January 30, 2026. Lawmakers must still negotiate full-year spending bills.

What is the difference between this bill and a full budget?

This bill is a temporary extension of previous funding levels. A full budget sets new spending priorities and policy directions for the entire fiscal year. Continuing resolutions maintain the status quo without major changes.