For the first time in 54 days, the House of Representatives will reconvene on Wednesday, preparing for a pivotal vote to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
According to a notice from House Republican Whip Tom Emmer, lawmakers are expected to take their first votes as early as 4 p.m. ET on the Senate-passed funding bill to reopen the government. Wednesday marks day 43 of the shutdown, surpassing the previous 35-day record set in 2019.
House Speaker Mike Johnson urged members Monday to begin traveling back to Washington despite widespread flight delays caused by the shutdown. The House has not been in session since September 19.
Late Monday night, the Senate approved the bipartisan deal in a 60–40 vote, with eight Democrats crossing party lines to join Republicans in supporting the measure. The legislation would fund the government through January 30, 2026, while providing full-year appropriations for key programs — including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC (for women, infants, and children), veterans services, and military construction projects.
The bill also includes provisions to reverse mass firings of federal workers that occurred during the shutdown and to guarantee back pay for furloughed employees.
The deal has deepened Democratic infighting, as the final agreement omits the party’s central demand for an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. However, sources told ABC News that Senate Republican leaders privately pledged to allow a December vote on a Democratic bill addressing health care costs.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his caucus opposed the measure, arguing it gave up key leverage without securing meaningful concessions. Progressive Democrats in the House are also expected to push back, though a handful of moderates may join Republicans in voting for the bill.
Despite provisions undoing some of his administration’s actions during the shutdown, President Donald Trump said he supports the compromise.
“I’ll abide by the deal. The deal is very good,” Trump said Monday.
Speaker Mike Johnson celebrated the breakthrough, declaring, “This long national nightmare is finally coming to an end.” He confirmed the House would vote on the legislation “as soon as possible” and send it to President Trump’s desk.
Once Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva is sworn in, Johnson will hold a slim margin — able to lose no more than two Republican votes if all members are present and voting.
If the House approves the measure, the bill will head to the White House, potentially ending the record 43-day shutdown that has disrupted millions of Americans’ lives, halted food assistance, and strained federal services across the country.
