Morning Note

Donald Trump ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history on Wednesday, signing legislation to reopen Washington after its 43-day pause. 

The president’s signature came shortly after the House approved the measure by a tally of 222-209. Lawmakers voted along party lines with the exception of six Democrats and two Republicans. The approval came on the House’s first day in session since September 19th.

The deal guarantees funding for food stamps through September, reinstates thousands of government employees the Trump administration laid off, provides back pay for the past six weeks, and keeps the rest of the government open at current levels until the end of January. It does not include an Obamacare subsidy extension. 

Trump and Mike Johnson each blamed Democrats for the ordeal, with the president urging voters to “don’t forget what they’ve done to our country” when they cast their ballots in next year’s midterms. Johnson, while speaking in the House, pointed his finger across the aisle and plainly said, “Democrats were responsible for this.”

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