The US House has voted 222-209 to pass legislation that would reopen the government, bringing an end to the longest shutdown in history. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. This means the government will be back in operation by Wednesday night.
The bill includes provisions to fund various federal programs and agencies at current levels through January 2026. It also reinstates fired workers who were let go during the shutdown and guarantees back pay for those furloughed.
In a separate development, the House is set to vote on legislation related to the release of government files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill would require the full release of files from the federal investigation into Epstein's conduct, which has been shrouded in secrecy.
House Democrats and several Republicans have expressed support for the bill, citing concerns about transparency and accountability. However, some members have raised objections to provisions that they say favor wealthy donors over ordinary Americans.
The House speaker, Mike Johnson, has vowed to hold a vote on the legislation next week, despite opposition from some Republicans. The outcome of this vote is uncertain, but it is expected to be contentious.
Meanwhile, the White House has announced plans for President Trump to sign the government funding bill into law during a live television broadcast. This move is seen as an attempt by the administration to capitalize on the attention surrounding the Epstein files and the ongoing government shutdown.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was introduced last year, aims to force the full release of files from the federal investigation into Epstein's conduct. The legislation has gained significant support among Democrats and some Republicans, who say it is essential for holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
As the House prepares to return from recess and vote on a bill to reopen the government, the focus remains on the Epstein files and the ongoing controversy surrounding President Trump's relationship with the late sex offender. The investigation into Epstein's conduct has been shrouded in secrecy, leading many to call for greater transparency and accountability.
The bill includes provisions to fund various federal programs and agencies at current levels through January 2026. It also reinstates fired workers who were let go during the shutdown and guarantees back pay for those furloughed.
In a separate development, the House is set to vote on legislation related to the release of government files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The bill would require the full release of files from the federal investigation into Epstein's conduct, which has been shrouded in secrecy.
House Democrats and several Republicans have expressed support for the bill, citing concerns about transparency and accountability. However, some members have raised objections to provisions that they say favor wealthy donors over ordinary Americans.
The House speaker, Mike Johnson, has vowed to hold a vote on the legislation next week, despite opposition from some Republicans. The outcome of this vote is uncertain, but it is expected to be contentious.
Meanwhile, the White House has announced plans for President Trump to sign the government funding bill into law during a live television broadcast. This move is seen as an attempt by the administration to capitalize on the attention surrounding the Epstein files and the ongoing government shutdown.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was introduced last year, aims to force the full release of files from the federal investigation into Epstein's conduct. The legislation has gained significant support among Democrats and some Republicans, who say it is essential for holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
As the House prepares to return from recess and vote on a bill to reopen the government, the focus remains on the Epstein files and the ongoing controversy surrounding President Trump's relationship with the late sex offender. The investigation into Epstein's conduct has been shrouded in secrecy, leading many to call for greater transparency and accountability.
the longest shutdown in history is insane, i mean who needs that much drama in their lives? anyway, this bill is a good start, funding all those programs and agencies is crucial, but i'm still worried about the Epstein files thing... transparency is key, and we need to know what went down with that guy. it's crazy how some republicans are opposed to releasing those files though, like come on guys, accountability matters 
. The fact that the House is voting on another bill about releasing Epstein files is also kinda interesting 
. It feels like a big step towards transparency and accountability. I'm not sure if Trump's plan to sign it live on TV is going to make a difference, though 
.
I was trying to fly like a bird but my wings were made of spaghetti 
and every time I tried to soar I would get tangled up in them lol what's crazy is that it kinda felt real, like my brain was actually imagining me flying 
anyway back to this government stuff... I wonder if the president is gonna be able to fix his hair for the live TV thing 
thinkin bout all the drama that went down during that gov shutdown 
gotta keep an eye on those epstein files tho, transparency is key 
But omg what's going on with those Epstein files?! I mean, transparency is EVERYTHING, especially when it comes to powerful people doing shady stuff. 
Can't wait to see how this all plays out! 