The US government officially reopened

The budget package was passed by the US House of Representatives on November 12 with a narrow margin of 222 votes in favor and 209 votes against, after receiving approval from the Senate two days earlier.

The bill would fund defense, veterans benefits, Department of Agriculture programs and the operation of Congress through the middle of next year. The rest of the government would be funded through January 30, 2026.

The long-running impasse stems from Democrats’ demand to extend a tax subsidy that is set to expire at the end of the year to help reduce the cost of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats have steadfastly refused to support any short-term spending bill that does not include the provision, while Republicans say it is a separate policy issue that should be discussed at another time.

The final result favored the Republicans, but the victory came after a prolonged shutdown took a growing toll across the United States.

"We told you 43 days ago, from bitter experience, that shutting down the government doesn't help," said House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, a Republican.

House Speaker Mike Johnson did not hesitate to blame Democrats for the gridlock. In a fiery speech before the vote, he said: "They knew this was going to be painful and they did it anyway. This whole process is pointless. It's wrong and it's cruel."

For their part, although admitting that medical demands have not been met, Democratic leaders still believe that they have been somewhat successful in bringing this issue to the center of attention, creating the premise for the 2026 midterm elections.

"We are not going to give up," House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on MSNBC.

The 43-day government shutdown has had serious consequences: a series of federal activities have been suspended, government employees have not received their salaries, passengers are stranded at airports due to flight delays/cancellations, and many families have had to wait in line to receive charity food.

With the government reopening, some 670,000 federal employees who were furloughed will return to work. Those who have been working will receive back pay, including more than 60,000 air traffic controllers and airport security officers. The bipartisan agreement also restores the jobs of federal employees who were laid off during the shutdown.

Source: https://congluan.vn/chinh-phu-my-chinh-thuc-mo-cua-tro-lai-10317639.html