On Nov. 12, the House approved a Senate-passed funding package and President Trump signed it into law, putting an end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The agreement extends funding for most federal agencies through Jan. 30 and includes three longer-term appropriations bills funding additional government functions through September 2026.
The Senate reached a breakthrough earlier in the week with seven Democrats and one Democrat-aligned independent joining Republicans to end the impasse. In the House, six Democrats crossed party lines to support reopening the government. The deal followed six weeks of stalled negotiations that left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay, jeopardized food assistance for millions of Americans and caused nationwide delays in air travel.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian says he expects the nation’s air travel system to rebound more quickly than many anticipate following the end of the 43-day government shutdown. Speaking on “CBS Mornings,” Bastian said he believes airline operations will be “full steam ahead” by the weekend as air traffic controllers and other critical aviation staff return to work and begin receiving back pay.
Bastian reassured travelers that flying remains “the safest form of transportation,” crediting Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for proactively reducing flight schedules when staffing shortages raised safety concerns. While airlines were frustrated by the disruptions, Bastian called the decision “prudent” given the circumstances.
With controllers now back on duty and paychecks expected within days, he said the aviation system should stabilize quickly. Looking ahead to the busy holiday season, Bastian expressed confidence, saying he has “no concerns” about Thanksgiving travel.
As agencies reopened Thursday morning, employees began returning to work and operations gradually resumed. According to guidance from the White House budget office, some federal workers can expect back paychecks as early as Sunday, while others will receive their payments by Wednesday, Nov. 19.
The agreement that ended the shutdown also sets the stage for a consequential December showdown over Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at year’s end. Without congressional action, millions of Americans could face steep increases in health insurance premiums.
Democrats secured a commitment for a Senate vote on the issue next month, though internal divisions remain after eight Democratic senators broke ranks to support the reopening deal. Party leaders now face a compressed timeline to craft a strategy that secures enough support to extend the credits.
Meanwhile, Washington began returning to normal. The Capitol Visitor Center reopened Thursday, drawing tourists relieved to resume long-planned visits. The Library of Congress and the U.S. Botanic Garden also reopened, signaling a broader return to routine across the capital after weeks of disruption.
