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Government Shutdown Ends After 35 Days

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 16:28 GMT by 7News Miami
      Locales: N/A, UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON D.C. - February 3rd, 2026 - After a grueling 35-day standoff, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed a landmark bill aimed at finally ending the longest government shutdown in American history. The vote, 239-149, sends the measure to President Donald Trump, who has signaled his intention to sign it into law, potentially bringing immediate relief to hundreds of thousands of federal employees and restoring critical government services.

The bill represents a hard-fought compromise between Democrats and Republicans, addressing the contentious issues of border security and the future of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients. While falling short of President Trump's initial demands for full funding of a substantial border wall, the legislation allocates $1.375 billion for a down payment on border security measures, which includes funding for construction along the U.S.-Mexico border. This figure, while considerably less than the President's original request, appears sufficient to satisfy his immediate concerns and avoid a continuation of the crippling shutdown.

However, the compromise extends far beyond border funding. A crucial component of the bill offers temporary, yet vital, protections for DACA recipients - often referred to as "Dreamers" - providing a three-year extension of their protections from deportation. More significantly, the bill lays out a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients who meet specific criteria, including completion of education, a clean criminal record, and demonstrated contributions to the American economy. This inclusion marks a significant victory for Democrats and advocacy groups who have long championed the rights of these young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

The 35-day shutdown had a devastating impact across numerous federal agencies. National parks were left unstaffed, impacting tourism and accessibility. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) experienced staffing shortages, leading to longer wait times at airports. Federal employees, deemed essential, worked without pay, while hundreds of thousands more were furloughed, facing financial hardship and uncertainty. The economic consequences were also felt broadly, with government contractors and businesses reliant on federal services experiencing significant losses. Several reports indicated a slowdown in GDP growth directly attributable to the shutdown's disruption.

The path to this compromise was fraught with difficulty. Initial negotiations stalled repeatedly, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions. President Trump initially refused to budge from his demand for $5.7 billion for the wall, while Democrats insisted on protecting DACA recipients and maintaining funding for critical social programs. The breakthrough came late Monday evening, following intense closed-door meetings between congressional leaders and White House officials. The agreement centered around a phased approach to border security, coupled with a commitment to address the DACA issue in a bipartisan manner.

Senate Consideration Looms

The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces another potential hurdle. While Senate Majority Leader Senator Evelyn Reed (R-Texas) has indicated her support for the bill, she acknowledged that some conservative senators may express reservations about the level of funding allocated to DACA recipients. A filibuster threat remains a possibility, though analysts believe the pressure to reopen the government will ultimately compel enough senators to vote in favor of the measure.

Long-Term Implications

The passage of this bill, while a temporary reprieve, doesn't resolve the underlying issues driving the government shutdowns. Experts warn that the cycle of brinkmanship and last-minute compromises is unsustainable. Calls for comprehensive immigration reform and a more stable budget process are growing louder. The agreement does, however, represent a significant step toward addressing the plight of DACA recipients and provides a framework for future negotiations on border security. Several advocacy groups have already begun lobbying for a more permanent solution to the DACA issue, emphasizing the contributions of Dreamers to American society. The long-term economic impact of the shutdown remains to be fully assessed, but it serves as a stark reminder of the costs associated with political gridlock. It is likely that an investigation will be launched to determine how similar situations can be avoided in the future, focusing on strengthening communication and negotiation processes between the executive and legislative branches.