House Republicans have announced the reopening of the federal government after what has been described as the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The action follows the signing into law of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. This legislation funds several government sectors including the Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.
Republican leaders emphasized their unified stance in ending the shutdown. "Shutdowns don’t work, and they only cause pain. Reopening the government was always the only responsible choice," said Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK).
Several committee chairs highlighted key areas affected by the new appropriations. Hal Rogers (R-KY), Dean of the House and Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee Chairman, noted that funding for programs such as SNAP and WIC would resume along with paychecks for military personnel and air traffic controllers.
Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chair of Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee, pointed out that critical community projects in his district were funded through this bill—funding he stated can only be secured via full-year appropriations rather than temporary measures.
Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair of Interior Subcommittee, commented on social media that bipartisan majorities eventually supported a deal to reopen government which had been available over a month prior: "Democrats who finally joined bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate to reopen the government were voting for the same deal they could have supported 43 days ago – nothing changed."
Military Construction Subcommittee Chair Judge Carter (R-TX) addressed Congress about how shutdowns affect military service members and veterans.
Ken Calvert (R-CA), Defense Subcommittee Chair, stated online: "Republicans refused to pay a ransom. Republicans did not allow hostage-taking to succeed..."
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), National Security Subcommittee Chair called Democrats’ actions “a colossal failure,” saying reopening ensures funding for critical programs.
Steve Womack (R-AR), Transportation Subcommittee Chair said: "Funding the government through appropriations is a key responsibility for Congress... we still have nine more bills to fund."
Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Energy Subcommittee Chair labeled Democrats’ actions “indefensible” adding: "We can never allow a shutdown like this to happen again."
Dave Joyce (R-OH) from Financial Services Committee expressed intent to continue working toward regular order on all twelve appropriations bills.
Andy Harris (R-MD) discussed aid provided to farmers and rural communities under this package during remarks on the House floor.
Other Republican members echoed these themes online or in public statements. They emphasized impacts on local projects across various states—including Michigan’s Second District (John Moolenaar), Central Washington (Dan Newhouse), Montana (Ryan Zinke), North Carolina disaster relief efforts post-Hurricane Helene (Chuck Edwards)—and called for continued progress toward passing all required spending bills before fiscal year end.
The legislation was signed into law by President Trump following passage with bipartisan support.
