President Trump Signs Spending Bill, Ending Longest U.S. Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan spending bill on Friday, formally ending the 35‑day shutdown that began in late December and became the longest interruption of federal operations in American history. The legislation, a short‑term continuing resolution, provides funding for most government agencies through mid‑February and restores pay for the roughly 800,000 federal workers who were furloughed or worked without wages.
The bill allocates $1.4 trillion in spending, covering both defense and non‑defense programs, and includes a modest increase for border security that had been a central point of contention in the shutdown. Lawmakers approved the measure with a comfortable majority in both chambers, signaling a willingness to avert further economic disruption while negotiations on the full fiscal year budget continue.
The shutdown originated from a dispute over funding for President Trump’s proposed wall along the southern border. As Congress and the White House failed to reach an agreement, the government operated without appropriations, leading to the closure of national parks, delays in processing tax refunds, and reduced services at agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of State. Federal employees were either sent home or required to work without pay, prompting widespread financial strain and public criticism.
Government officials described the signing as a “welcome relief” for workers and taxpayers alike, noting that the immediate restoration of salaries would help stabilize local economies that had felt the impact of the shutdown. Economic analysts highlighted that the pause in government activity had already cost the economy several hundred million dollars in lost productivity, and they cautioned that a swift return to normal operations was essential to mitigate longer‑term effects.
While the short‑term funding measure halts the shutdown, it does not resolve the underlying budgetary disagreements. Lawmakers are expected to resume negotiations on a full‑year appropriations package later this month, with particular focus on immigration policy, defense spending, and infrastructure investments. Observers note that the ability of Congress to avoid another shutdown will depend on both parties’ willingness to compromise on these contentious issues.
