WASHINGTON—The House late Wednesday approved a sweeping funding measure to end the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, clearing the way for federal agencies to reopen within hours and for hundreds of thousands of workers and service members to receive long-delayed pay.
The vote was 222-209, with just six Democrats breaking with their leadership, POLITOCO said. President Trump is expected to sign the measure before night’s end, allowing federal operations to resume Thursday morning.
The chamber’s vote—coming after days of intense negotiations and following the Senate’s 60–40 passage—sent the bipartisan agreement to President Donald Trump for his signature, effectively ending a shutdown that stretched well past six weeks and rattled everything from military readiness to basic government services.
The package includes a continuing resolution funding the government through Jan. 30. The measure also includes a three-bill “minibus” of full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture and the FDA, the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction projects and the operations of Congress.
For the credit-union industry, the measure delivered a particularly critical outcome: it reverses the mass federal layoffs that took effect on Oct. 1, restoring staff across key agencies—most notably the CDFI Fund, where workforce cuts had stalled grant processing and program oversight. Credit-union advocates warned that without those positions restored, community-development projects and low-income-serving institutions faced deep uncertainty.
Jason Stverak
The shutdown’s end also brings immediate relief to federal employees, contractors, and active-duty military personnel who had gone without pay for weeks. Credit unions serving federal hubs and military installations reported heavy demand for emergency loans and hardship assistance throughout the standoff—programs they expect to wind down as back pay begins flowing once government operations fully resume.
DCUC: 'Welcome Relief'
“This vote is a welcome relief to millions of military families and federal workers who have endured unnecessary uncertainty,” said Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer. “We thank Congress for acting to end the shutdown. However, this should be the last time our service members and Coast Guard personnel are used as political pawns in budget negotiations.”
DCUC noted that throughout the shutdown, credit unions once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to those who serve.
Anthony Hernandez
"From advancing pay to waiving fees, credit unions stepped up when government paychecks stopped. For example, Keesler Federal Credit Union launched a Paycheck Relief Program offering direct-deposit advances for affected federal employees, ensuring they could continue to provide for their families during the lapse in funding. Similar programs across the country showcased the cooperative difference and the readiness of defense credit unions to support their members in times of crisis," the trade group said.
“Credit unions didn’t wait for Washington to act—they stood up for their members immediately,” Stverak added. “That commitment to mission and member is what defines the credit union community and philosophy.”
DCUC reinforced its call for legislation guaranteeing continued pay for the military and Coast Guard during any future government funding gaps.
“Shutdowns should never threaten the pay or credit standing of those who serve our nation,” Stverak said. “Congress has now shown what bipartisan cooperation can achieve. Let’s build on this momentum to ensure permanent protections are in place.”
Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, emphasized the importance of long-term stability for military families and their financial well-being.
“Our nation’s defenders should never have to question whether their pay will arrive on time,” said Hernandez. “DCUC and our member credit unions will continue to advocate for solutions that uphold financial readiness and peace of mind for those who protect our freedom.”
ACU: 'Grateful Congress Came Together
Scott Simpson
America’s Credit Unions reacted to the news.
“We are grateful that Congress came together to re-open the government and put an end to the longest government shutdown in history,” said ACU President/CEO Scott Simpson. But we are even more grateful to the credit unions who were a steadfast partner to millions of Americans facing financial hardships. We saw during the shutdown just how essential credit unions are to the financial well-being of people and communities across the country. With Congress back in session, our focus remains on amplifying credit unions’ voice to protect and enhance their ability to meet members’ needs, in good times and bad.”
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