U.S. house set to vote to end longest government shutdown

After a 53-day hiatus, the U.S. House of Representatives returns to Washington to vote on a funding bill that could end the longest government shutdown in history, restoring pay for federal workers and resuming government services.

The Republican-controlled House is scheduled to vote on a compromise bill that has already passed the Senate. If approved, the measure will fund government operations until January 30, allowing agencies to reopen and federal employees to receive back pay. The deal also secures the SNAP food aid program until September 2026, providing relief to low-income families affected by the shutdown.

The shutdown has disrupted U.S. air travel, with nearly 1,200 flights canceled recently, forcing lawmakers to drive or carpool long distances to reach Washington. President Donald Trump has signaled he will sign the bill into law, emphasizing the urgency of reopening the government and stabilizing public services.

The legislation has sparked a split among Democrats, who had pushed to extend healthcare subsidies for 24 million Americans beyond the end of the year. Senate Republicans agreed to a separate vote on these subsidies in December, but there is no certainty it will pass, leaving the issue unresolved as the government resumes operations.