US President Donald Trump signed in the early hours of Thursday (13), the bill that ends the federal government shutdown, the longest shutdown in the country’s history, which lasted 43 days.
The signing took place hours after , avoiding a new budget crisis. The text received 222 votes in favor, six from Democrats, and 209 against, including two Republicans.
The package guarantees full financing for areas such as agriculture, military construction and veteran payments, in addition to Legislative Branch programs. It also ensures retroactive pay to all federal employees affected by the shutdown and cancels layoffs made since October 1st.
In other sectors, the budget remains temporary, valid until January 30, the deadline for Congress to reach a new agreement. The project still prohibits staff cuts until that date and prevents further measures to reduce staff.
“For the last 43 days, Democrats in Congress have shut down the government of the United States,” Trump said before signing the bill, accusing his opponents of trying to “extort American taxpayers.”
During the shutdown, the impacts were felt in several areas. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported staffing shortages at air control centers in cities including New York, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Albuquerque, which led to flight delays and cancellations. There was also an interruption in the release of official economic statistics, due to the shutdown of agencies responsible for surveys.
The political impasse revolved around funding for the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans were trying to reduce. Even after the project was approved, part of the Democratic opposition criticized the agreement and questioned the party’s leadership in the Senate.
With the decree signed, the North American government fully resumes its activities and public employees return to work this week, marking the end of one of the most tense periods of recent politics in the United States.
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