U.S. government reopens (Progressive Farmer): Late last night, President Trump signed a congressional funding measure that ends the 43-day federal government shutdown. The House approved the legislation earlier in the evening by a 222-209 vote, with six Democrats joining 216 Republicans in favor; two Republicans voted against it.
Under the bill, most federal agencies receive short-term funding through January 2026, while the USDA is funded for the full fiscal year 2026, and key programs from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (commonly the Farm Bill) are extended through that period as well. The legislation ensures that county-level USDA services such as farm-loan processing and conservation technical assistance resume after being frozen during the shutdown.
However, the agreement stops short of addressing the expiration of enhanced tax credits for health-insurance under the Affordable Care Act — a priority for House Democrats during the shutdown negotiations. Agricultural and food-aid groups responding to the bill voiced relief over the reopening of USDA programs, but also emphasized ongoing concerns about frozen benefits under programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Policy Updates: U.S. government reopens
Late last night, President Trump signed a congressional funding measure after the House voted to approve it 222-209, ending the record long federal government shutdown.
(Lindsey Pound)