President Donald Trump of the United States signed a government funding deal on Wednesday, ending the record 43-day shutdown that left many travelers stuck at airports, created long lines at some food banks, and caused financial strain for federal employees who remained unpaid.
Before signing the bill, Trump said, “Today we are sending a clear message that we will never give in to extortion.” Trump’s remark led to applause from Republican lawmakers gathered around him in the Oval Office.
The measure was passed by the Republican-led House of Representatives by a vote of 222-209, and the signing ceremony took place just two hours later. According to a report, Trump’s signature on the bill, which passed the Senate earlier this week, will allow government employees who have been idle due to the shutdown to resume their jobs as early as Thursday.
The plan will continue to add around $1.8 trillion annually to the federal government’s $38 trillion debt by extending spending through January 30. The measure calls for the Trump administration’s termination of federal employees since the shutdown started on October 1 to be reversed. Additionally, it ensures that government employees are paid once the shutdown ends and shields them from additional layoffs through January.
According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Agriculture Department bill ensures that those who depend on important food assistance programs will continue to receive funding for those benefits for the remainder of the fiscal year.
