US Government Shutdown Ends: What You Need to Know About H.R. 5371, the Bill That Saved the Day

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In a historic move, the House of Representatives has passed H.R. 5371, a bill aimed at ending the longest US government shutdown in history. Sent to President Donald Trump for signature, the bill will officially reopen government agencies if signed. This legislation, known as the 'Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026', provides FY2026 continuing appropriations for most federal agencies, lasting through January 30, 2026. The bill, a type of continuing resolution, is designed to temporarily fund government programs at FY2025 levels, with some exceptions allowing for flexibility and additional funding for specific programs. Notably, it also includes back pay for federal workers who were affected by the shutdown and halts any reduction-in-force actions until January 30, 2026. Key provisions of H.R. 5371 include: - Continuing appropriations for most federal agencies through January 30, 2026 - Funding for the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, military construction, and veterans affairs through the end of FY2026 - Back pay for federal workers affected by the shutdown - Prohibition on reduction-in-force actions until January 30, 2026 - Extension of various authorities and programs, including those related to public health, cybersecurity, agriculture, and veterans benefits If signed into law, H.R. 5371 will bring an end to the government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025. The bill's passage in the Senate is expected to be the next step in the process, paving the way for the government to reopen.