The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has finally come to an end. After 43 days of stalled services and political deadlock, the House passed a late-night funding bill to reopen the federal government and restore the operations of key agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. President Trump signed the legislation immediately, bringing to a close a standoff that left thousands of federal workers without pay and disrupted essential support for veterans and military families.
The agreement offers both temporary and long-term funding. It keeps the government open through January 30 under a stopgap budget while providing a full year of funding for the VA and several major Defense Department infrastructure projects. The bill directs more than $133 billion toward VA operations and nearly $168 billion toward veterans’ medical care, including significant investment in the Toxic Exposures Fund for service members affected by burn pits and other hazards.
It also restores salaries to federal employees who were furloughed or forced to work unpaid and authorizes the rehiring of those who were laid off during the shutdown. With its passage, a wide range of VA services—transition assistance, benefits processing, the GI Bill hotline, career counseling, and national cemetery operations—can now resume.
The vote, however, was not without controversy. Most Democrats opposed the bill because it failed to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits scheduled to expire at the end of the year. These credits help reduce the cost of health insurance, particularly for lower- and middle-income families, many of whom are veterans. Without an extension, nearly 267,000 veterans could face significantly higher healthcare costs by 2026. Senate leadership has promised to bring the issue back for debate in December, but there is no guarantee the subsidies will be renewed.
For everyday Americans, the shutdown created real financial strain. Federal workers missed paychecks, households fell behind on bills, and many families were left in limbo as they waited for government services to restart. The reopening means federal employees will finally receive back pay, easing some of the financial pressure that has built up over the past six weeks.
Veterans who rely on the VA for medical care, benefits, career support, or education funding can once again access the services that were frozen or slowed during the shutdown. Military families also stand to benefit from billions of dollars earmarked for housing improvements, childcare centers, schools, hospitals, and other facilities essential to daily life on base.
Still, the end of the shutdown does not resolve all concerns. Healthcare affordability remains a looming issue, especially for families dependent on ACA subsidies. And with the government only funded through late January, another budget standoff remains a real possibility. For many households—particularly those living paycheck to paycheck—the uncertainty around government funding has become an ongoing financial risk.
The reopening of government brings immediate relief and a measure of stability, but it does not eliminate the broader challenges that fueled the shutdown’s impact. As the political negotiations continue, one reality remains clear: government decisions directly influence the financial wellbeing of millions.
For ordinary households, staying informed and preparing for potential changes can make the difference between stability and unexpected financial hardship.