Lizeth GeorgeAfter 43 days of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, President Donald Trump signed legislation late Wednesday evening to reopen the federal government. The measure followed a 60–40 procedural vote in the Senate earlier in the week that advanced the funding package, and a 222–209 House vote on Wednesday evening to approve it.
Under the bill, full-year funding is secured for three agencies – Agriculture-FDA, Military Construction-VA, and the Legislative Branch – while funding for the rest of the government runs only through January 30, 2026. The legislation also reverses reductions-in-force (RIF) across federal agencies, provides back pay for furloughed workers, including staff at the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund who will be rehired, and includes a commitment for a December vote on extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
The short-term funding for most departments leaves another potential shutdown looming at the end of January if broader spending negotiations stall. For the past several weeks, it has been clear to D.C and across the country that credit unions met the demand by offering 0% APR loans, personalized assistance, skip-a-pay programs, and other relief measures to help bridge the gap while federal employees went without pay. For more information, please contact Ibby Dickson.
