The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has come to an end. President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan spending bill late Wednesday, officially reopening federal agencies after 43 days of closure that left millions of Americans facing service delays, missed paychecks, and economic uncertainty.

White House officials confirmed that the bill passed both chambers of Congress earlier in the day with overwhelming support, signaling a rare moment of unity after weeks of partisan gridlock. The legislation funds government operations through the fiscal year while maintaining current budget levels across key agencies.

Federal employees, many of whom have gone without pay for six weeks, are expected to return to work Thursday morning. The Office of Personnel Management announced that agencies will begin reopening immediately, though some travel disruptions and backlogs may continue as operations ramp back up.

In a brief statement from the Oval Office, President Trump said the deal was “a victory for the American people and for responsible governance,” adding that his administration would continue to “work tirelessly to ensure every federal worker is made whole.”

The shutdown — sparked by a standoff over spending priorities and a national security funding proposal, had far-reaching effects. Food assistance programs neared suspension, national parks shuttered, and federal court operations faced growing strain. Economists estimate the shutdown cost the U.S. economy billions in lost productivity and delayed services.

With the government now reopened, attention turns to the long-term impacts of the closure, both politically and economically. Analysts suggest the shutdown could have lasting effects on voter trust in Washington as the 2026 midterm cycle begins to take shape.

For now, the federal workforce and millions of Americans relying on government services can breathe a sigh of relief as normal operations slowly resume across the country.