WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill Wednesday night, bringing an end to a record 43-day shutdown that left federal workers unpaid, disrupted travelers at airports, and caused long lines at food banks.

The bill passed the House earlier Wednesday on a largely party-line vote of 222-209, after the Senate approved it Monday. The signing marked the conclusion of a political standoff that exposed deep partisan divisions in Washington.

The shutdown began as Democrats pushed to extend an enhanced tax credit for Affordable Care Act coverage, while Republicans, led by Trump, insisted that health care funding be addressed separately. Trump took unprecedented actions during the impasse, including canceling projects and attempting to fire federal employees, in an effort to pressure Democrats to relent.

New Ambassador, Funding Restored

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle, the first woman to hold the post in Greece, visited Archbishop Ieronymos II in Athens, a week after presenting her credentials to Greece’s president. “It’s wonderful to be here… I am grateful that President Trump has blessed me with the opportunity to serve the United States,” Guilfoyle said.

The funding bill also restored Medicare telehealth programs through Jan. 30, allowing millions of older adults to access virtual care without leaving home. Patients and caregivers welcomed the reinstatement but urged Congress to make the programs permanent. “We hope they can make this a permanent part of the healthcare system,” said Martha Swick, caregiver for her husband, who uses telehealth for speech therapy.

Federal Workers Await Back Pay

Essential federal workers, including Capitol Police officers, TSA employees, and air traffic controllers, who worked during the shutdown without pay, are expected to receive back pay soon. White House National Economic Council Chair Kevin Hassett said, “I think that the payments will probably come in the next week. Maybe even before.”

Health Care Debate Looms

Despite the resolution, disagreements over health care remain unresolved. Some Republicans have expressed openness to extending pandemic-era tax credits while imposing new limits. Democratic leaders have indicated some willingness to negotiate, though House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to taking up the issue.

A Strain on Federal Workers

The shutdown took a heavy toll on federal employees. Approximately 670,000 were furloughed, while 730,000 worked without pay. Many, like Social Security claims specialist Jessica Sweet, experienced severe financial strain. “It shakes the foundation of trust that we all place in our agencies and in the federal government to do the right thing,” Sweet said.

The Office of Personnel Management confirmed that federal employees are expected to return to work Thursday, with normal operating procedures in effect in the Washington, D.C., area.

The AP contributed to this report.