House Lawmakers Return to End Record Federal Government Shutdown

Sun Dec 14 2025 00:07:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

House lawmakers are set to return to Washington to potentially end the U.S. government's longest shutdown in history, but tensions remain high as Democrats prepare to oppose a key funding measure.

After a lengthy absence from the legislative floor, House lawmakers are returning to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for a crucial vote to end the federal government shutdown, which has lasted for 43 days. The Senate recently passed a funding bill that House leaders expect to also receive approval, but Democratic opposition looms as they argue the bill fails to address critical healthcare subsidies. Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism about the vote, while Democrats prepare to highlight the consequences of the shutdown on federal employees and public services.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers will make a long-awaited return to the nation’s capital on Wednesday after nearly eight weeks away to potentially put an end to the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

The House is scheduled to take up a bill to reopen the government that the Senate passed on Monday night. President Donald Trump called the measure a “very big victory,” and it’s expected to pass the Republican-led chamber. But the prospect of travel delays due to the shutdown could complicate the vote. Speaker Mike Johnson may need nearly perfect attendance from fellow Republicans to ensure the measure's passage.

The House has not been in legislative session since Sept. 19. That’s when it passed a short-term funding patch to keep the government operational when the new budget year began in October. Following that vote, Johnson advised lawmakers to return home, placing the responsibility on the Senate.

Democrats seized on the opportunity to portray Republicans as abandoning their duties while the federal workforce went without paychecks, travelers faced airport delays, and food assistance benefits began to expire. Johnson defended the recess by asserting that members were engaged in crucial work in their districts.

The vast majority of Democratic lawmakers are expected to vote against the measure due to its failure to include an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits nearing expiration.

Democratic leaders anticipate strong opposition, with House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries stating, “Our expectation is that Democrats will be opposed.” Meanwhile, Johnson expressed relief, suggesting, “We’re grateful for coming to an end of our long national nightmare.”

The compromise reached in the Senate involves funding bipartisan annual spending bills and extending government funding through January 30. The proposed bill also initiates a future vote on health care subsidies, though success remains uncertain.

As the legislative battle heats up, many Democrats express disappointment over the concessions for funding. Critique focuses on differing perspectives on whether to prioritize health care over immediate funding for government services following the extended shutdown.

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins indicated a willingness to consider tax credit extensions with modifications, suggesting a possible route for dialogue between the parties moving forward amid continuing debate.

Follow along for updates as the situation evolves and the vote unfolds, highlighting the impacts of legislative action on governmental functions and public services.