Core Points - The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, lasting 43 days, has ended with President Trump signing a temporary funding bill, but the core issues remain unresolved [1][5] - The funding bill extends most government departments' spending levels from the previous year until the end of January, while some agencies will receive funding until September [2][6] - The bill does not address the key issue that triggered the shutdown, which is the extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act set to expire at the end of the year [2][5] Summary by Sections Government Shutdown and Funding Bill - The temporary funding bill was signed after the House of Representatives voted in favor, with Trump blaming Democrats for the shutdown [1][2] - The bill includes measures to reverse layoffs implemented during the shutdown and provides back pay for federal employees [2][4] Political Dynamics - Senate Majority Leader John Thune agreed to vote on a Democratic bill to extend subsidies in mid-December, which has caused dissatisfaction among Senate Democrats [2][6] - Historical patterns indicate that government shutdowns have not effectively advanced party policy goals, as evidenced by this recent shutdown [2][4] Democratic Strategy and Challenges - Senate Democrats faced pressure from their political base to take a strong opposition stance, insisting on subsidy extensions as a condition for funding support [3][6] - The strategy to leverage the shutdown for negotiations ultimately failed, with Republicans not conceding to demands [4][6] Future Implications - Both parties face critical decisions that could shape their political achievements for the coming year, with a looming deadline for additional funding bills [6] - If Democrats successfully extend the subsidies, it could set a positive tone for the 2026 elections, while failure to gain Republican support may still allow them to campaign on healthcare issues [6]