The Longest Government Shutdown Ends as Key Democrats Cross Party Lines

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is over. Lawmakers voted to reopen federal agencies after a 43-day standoff. The breakthrough came when six Democratic representatives joined Republicans to pass the critical bill.

This move ended weeks of suspended services and unpaid work for thousands. The House passed the bill with a 222-209 vote on November 12, 2025.

Perez and Five Others Provide Critical Votes

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez was a decisive vote. She and five other Democrats crossed party lines. Their support gave Republicans the margin needed for passage.

The group included Henry Cuellar, Don Davis, Adam Gray, Jared Golden, and Tom Suozzi. With a slim majority, every vote was crucial. Their decision prioritized ending the widespread hardship.

According to NPR, the shutdown caused major disruptions. Federal workers went without pay. Vital food assistance programs faced uncertainty.

Bill Restores Funding But Leaves Key Issue Unresolved

The newly signed bill funds most government agencies through January. Some departments, like SNAP, are funded through next September. It also guarantees backpay for furloughed workers.

However, the core issue remains unresolved. The fight was over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats demanded their extension as a condition for funding.

Republicans refused to include the subsidies. This created the deadlock. The final bill left this healthcare issue for a future vote.

A handshake deal promises a Senate vote on subsidies in December. But Speaker Mike Johnson gave no guarantee for House consideration. This leaves millions of Americans in limbo.

The Human Cost of Political Gridlock

The shutdown’s impact was severe. Nearly 42 million Americans on SNAP faced benefit disruptions. Air travel suffered from unpaid TSA agents and air traffic controllers.

According to OPB, federal workers experienced significant financial strain. Many relied on food banks and community support. The economic ripple effects were felt nationwide.

Sen. Tim Kaine emphasized the human toll. He noted the guaranteed suffering from continued gridlock. This reality influenced the cross-party vote.

The political fallout remains uncertain. The six Democrats face potential backlash from their party. Yet they argued immediate relief was more important than prolonged stalemate.

The government shutdown end came through difficult compromise, not total victory. While federal services resume, the underlying political divisions ensure future budget battles loom large on the horizon.

Thought you’d like to know

How long did the government shutdown last?

The shutdown lasted 43 days. It became the longest in U.S. history. The previous record was 35 days in 2018-2019.

What does the funding bill actually do?

It reopens the government through January for most agencies. It restores SNAP benefits and guarantees backpay for federal workers. The bill does not address ACA subsidies.

Why did the Democrats break ranks?

They cited the growing harm to Americans. Continuing the shutdown guaranteed more suffering. They chose immediate relief over a prolonged political fight.

What happens to the ACA subsidies now?

A Senate vote is promised for December. There is no guarantee it will pass. The House may not consider any resulting bill.

Could another shutdown happen soon?

Yes. Funding expires again in January. Congress must still pass nine appropriations bills. The same political divisions remain.

Trusted Sources

National Public Radio (NPR)
Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
Associated Press (AP)
Reuters