Government Shutdown Ends as President Signs Continuing Appropriations Bill, Governor Moore Responds

The United States government will resume normal operations following President Trump’s signing of Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations Act, Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, Military Construction, VA, and Extensions Act of 2026. This legislation provides funding through January 30, 2026, for most government agencies, while also establishing full-year appropriations for critical sectors including agriculture, rural development, the Food and Drug Administration, military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch. The act also extends the authority of several vital programs that were at risk of losing funding.

The White House has characterized the bill as a “clean continuing resolution,” asserting that it does not include partisan provisions that were reportedly demanded by Democrats and contributed to the shutdown. This measure is described as fiscally responsible and is intended to support veterans, farmers, and rural communities with necessary full-year funding. The passage of this act is expected to resolve disruptions to numerous programs relied upon by the American public and ensure that federal employees, such as air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay will be compensated promptly. The government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, reportedly caused significant disruptions, including the cancellation or delay of thousands of flights and the non-payment of over one million federal workers and tens of thousands of federal contractors and small businesses.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore released a statement following the congressional vote to end the shutdown. Governor Moore expressed concerns about the nature of the deal, stating that it presented a false choice between funding the government and protecting healthcare.

“This is exactly why people hate Washington. Once again, Republicans in D.C. are asking us to accept a false choice — fund the government or protect people’s health care. That’s not leadership.

“Marylanders know what’s at stake. They’ve lived the shutdown. They’re the federal workers who missed paychecks, the SNAP recipients wondering how to feed their families, the seniors worried about keeping the heat on. We’ve stepped up to do our part — releasing tens of millions of dollars to keep food on the table, covering heating costs for Marylanders in November, and making transit free for federal workers.

“So yes, reopening the government matters. But healthcare premiums will continue to rise, and Marylanders are the ones who will pay the price or lose coverage. Altogether this is a deal I have grave concerns about.

“We can’t keep asking working families to choose between a paycheck and a doctor’s visit. Maryland is doing its job. It’s time Donald Trump and Washington did theirs — without selling out the people they’re supposed to protect.”​

Maryland Governor Wes Moore

The legislation comes at a time when discussions surrounding tax policy are prominent, with the administration referencing a tax cut bill that aims to provide benefits to middle and low-income workers. Specific provisions mentioned include no taxes on tips, Social Security, or overtime pay, as well as the ability to deduct interest on car loans. President Trump also addressed healthcare policy, criticizing the Affordable Care Act and proposing that funds intended for insurance companies be directly distributed to individuals to purchase their own healthcare plans, which they believe would be more effective and less costly. The bill signing signifies a commitment to continuing efforts to lower the cost of living, enhance public safety, and stimulate economic growth.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from The White House

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