US House set for crunch vote on ending historic government shutdown

November 12, 2025

The US Congress is preparing to vote on a budget deal that would end a 42-day government shutdown, the longest in American history, by funding federal agencies through early next year. Republican leadership expects the Senate-approved spending package to pass the House despite their slim five-vote majority, though Democratic leaders have pledged opposition because the deal excludes their key demand to extend health insurance subsidies for millions of Americans. The prolonged shutdown has caused significant disruption, leaving one million federal workers without pay, suspending food assistance programs, and creating major air travel chaos as unpaid workers call in sick.

Who is affected

One million federal workers who have gone unpaid during the shutdown
24 million Americans whose health insurance tax credits may expire without extension
Low-income Americans whose food stamp benefits have been halted
Air travelers experiencing cancellations (nearly 1,200 flights cancelled on Tuesday)
Unpaid air traffic controllers calling in sick
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who must manage a narrow five-vote Republican majority
Senate and House Democrats divided over the compromise
Taxpayers, as the budget continues adding approximately $1.8 trillion annually to the $38 trillion national debt

What action is being taken

The House of Representatives is reconvening to vote on the Senate spending package
The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in an 8-4 party-line vote after a seven-hour session
Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva is being sworn in before the vote
Lawmakers are finding alternative transportation to Washington due to flight cancellations (carpooling, riding motorcycles)
House Democrats are opposing the bill and fighting against its passage
Republicans are brushing aside Democratic amendments seeking to extend health insurance subsidies

Why it matters

This vote represents a critical moment to end the longest government shutdown in US history, which has created widespread economic and logistical hardship for millions of Americans. The shutdown's effects have cascaded through multiple sectors, from stripping federal workers of their paychecks to disrupting essential services like food assistance and air travel safety. The narrow Republican majority means the outcome remains uncertain, and the political fallout has damaged both parties' standing with voters. Furthermore, the temporary nature of this funding solution—extending only through January 30th—means Congress will face another potential shutdown crisis in just two months, while the fundamental disagreement over health insurance subsidies remains unresolved.

What's next

The House chamber is expected to reconvene at 16:00 EST (21:00 GMT) for one hour of debate before voting on the legislation
If passed, President Trump will sign the bill into law
Republicans have agreed to allow a vote in December on healthcare subsidies (though passage is not guaranteed in the Senate, and Speaker Johnson has not committed to a House vote)
Government funding will next expire on January 30th, requiring appropriators to negotiate another deal within two months to avoid another shutdown

Read full article from source: BBC