House Lawmakers Reconvene to Tackle Historic Government Shutdown

Wed Nov 12 2025 18:13:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After nearly eight weeks of recess, House lawmakers return to address the historic federal government shutdown, with critical votes on funding measures and health care subsidies on the horizon.

As the House prepares to reenter the legislative fray, lawmakers aim to resolve the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. With a bill already passed by the Senate, tensions rise over potential travel delays and partisan divides regarding health care benefits. House Speaker Mike Johnson expresses optimism, while Democrats criticize the handling of the situation. With a vote expected soon, the fate of millions relying on government services hangs in the balance.

House lawmakers will make a long-awaited return to Washington on Wednesday after nearly eight weeks away, coinciding with the nation's historic federal government shutdown that has lasted over 40 days. The House is set to vote on a bill designed to reopen the government, which recently passed in the Senate with support from some Democrats, leading President Trump to call it a very big victory.

However, issues surrounding potential travel delays due to the ongoing shutdown could complicate attendance for the vote, raising concerns about whether Speaker Mike Johnson can rally sufficient support from Republican lawmakers. The House has not convened since September, raising criticism over its prolonged recess while many federal workers remain unpaid and essential benefits lapse.

Democrats are seizing the moment to highlight the perceived negligence of Republicans during the shutdown, particularly as millions have faced airport delays and the expiration of food assistance benefits. Johnson insists, however, that legislators were fulfilling important duties in their districts during their recess.

The proposed measure focuses on maintaining essential government operations, funding bipartisan appropriations, and setting the stage for a future vote on extending crucial health care subsidies.

Given the bipartisan nature of recent discussions, there is hope but also skepticism about reaching a compromise on health care before a looming December deadline. The passage of this bill is seen as an essential first step towards stabilizing government functions and aiding those impacted by the shutdown.