After 43 days—the longest shutdown in U.S. history—Congress reached a deal to reopen the government. Here's what each party gained, what they gave up, and what it means for working families.
The Win: Republicans got most of what they wanted—a "clean" funding bill without having to negotiate major policy concessions. The deal funds the government through January 30, 2026, at current spending levels.
What They Gave Up: Republicans had to reverse the mass layoffs of federal workers that the Trump administration imposed during the shutdown. They also agreed to hold a vote by mid-December on extending healthcare tax credits—though there's no guarantee those credits will actually pass.
Impact on Lower-Income Families: The reversal of federal layoffs means those workers will get back pay and return to their jobs. This matters because federal workers process everything from food assistance applications to Social Security benefits. When they're gone, these services grind to a halt.
The Concession: Democrats caved on their main demand. They wanted guaranteed extensions of Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire January 1, 2026. Instead, they only got a promise of a future vote—not actual policy.
What They Gained: Eight moderate Democrats who broke ranks argued they gained an end to the shutdown itself, which was causing immediate harm. The deal includes full-year funding for SNAP food assistance, ending the court battle that had frozen payments.
Impact on Lower-Income Families: This is where the pain hits hardest. Without those healthcare subsidies, millions of Americans will see their insurance premiums spike in January. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates these subsidies save families an average of $700 per year—money that lower-income households simply don't have.
The SNAP funding restoration is good news for the 42 million Americans who rely on food stamps. During the shutdown, those benefits were in legal limbo.
During the 43-day shutdown:
For lower-income families, this meant: