The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a Senate funding deal that will bring an end to the longest government shutdown in American history. The legislation, passed by a vote of 222-209, now moves to President Donald Trump for his signature, which will facilitate the reopening of federal agencies after a six-week hiatus.
The agreement provides funding for government operations through January 31, 2024. Certain programs, notably the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will receive funding through the end of the fiscal year in September. The bill attracted support primarily from Texas Republicans, with 24 out of 25 House members voting in favor. Only Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, abstained from voting. On the Democratic side, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo joined six other Democrats in supporting the bill, while the remaining Texas Democrats opposed it.
With the bill’s passage, federal employees who were impacted by the shutdown will receive back pay for the duration of their unpaid work, which began on October 1. Employees temporarily laid off will also be reinstated, thanks to a deal negotiated with a few Senate Democrats who helped secure the necessary votes.
Future of Affordable Care Act Subsidies Uncertain
A significant aspect of the agreement is a provision that allows Senate Democrats to vote on the renewal of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which have been a contentious point during the shutdown. The future of these tax credits, critical for many Americans, remains uncertain. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, has not committed to bringing the issue before the House, and several Republicans have called for substantial reforms or a complete repeal of the subsidies.
Democratic lawmakers have criticized their Senate colleagues for supporting a deal that did not secure the renewal of health care tax credits. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, expressed concern that the agreement neglects the needs of working families. She highlighted the potential consequences of allowing the subsidies to expire, which could lead to increased insurance premiums and loss of coverage for many Texans. “This deal keeps the government open but leaves working people behind,” Garcia stated.
In contrast, Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Magnolia, criticized Democrats for their prior opposition to spending bills that did not extend the ACA credits. He accused them of prioritizing partisan interests over the livelihoods of military personnel and veterans during the shutdown.
Implications for the Hemp Industry
The funding package also includes a provision that criminalizes the sale of nearly all consumable hemp products across the nation. This measure restores a ban that was earlier vetoed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Proponents of the ban, including Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Waco, argue it closes a loophole that allowed high-potency THC products to proliferate in communities. However, critics warn that this ban could severely impact Texas’ $8 billion hemp industry and jeopardize thousands of jobs associated with the sale of consumable THC products.
As the legislation awaits President Trump’s signature, it represents a critical moment for federal operations and health care policy in the United States. Lawmakers are now tasked with navigating the complexities of funding while addressing the broader implications of health care coverage for millions of Americans. The next steps will determine not only the immediate fate of government operations but also the long-term viability of health care subsidies crucial for many families.
