The US House of Representatives has passed a temporary funding bill to end the longest government shutdown in American history, clearing the final hurdle before the legislation is sent to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
The vote on Wednesday followed Senate passage of the same stopgap bill, paving the way for the federal government to reopen after a 43-day standoff that paralysed major agencies and disrupted essential services.
Once signed, the bill will fund the government through January 30, allowing suspended programmes to resume, including critical food assistance, and enabling hundreds of thousands of federal workers to receive back pay.
The shutdown had halted nutrition benefits for low-income Americans, disrupted operations across key federal departments, and caused severe delays at airports due to shortages of unpaid air traffic controllers.
Its expected end comes just days after Democrats secured major victories in local elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York — races widely seen as reflecting voter frustration over the prolonged impasse.
The 43-day funding lapse left nearly a million federal workers without paycheques, strained food aid programmes, and triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations across the country.
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Sri Lankan team to complete matches
Sri Lankan cricket team was not deterred by Islamabad blast. They are feeling secure and willing to continue their ongoing matches in Pakistan. For this reason, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) said that its players will complete their tour of Pakistan despite safety concerns following a recent suicide blast in Islamabad.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman assured the visiting team of full security during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Rear Admiral (R) Fred Sreeviratne and the team management. Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police also attended the briefing, outlining the comprehensive security arrangements in place.
According to sources, most Sri Lankan players and coaching staff have agreed to stay in Pakistan. However, the SLC is considering calling up replacements if any player decides to withdraw.
Officials indicated that the series schedule could be slightly adjusted if necessary, but both the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan and the upcoming tri-nation series with Zimbabwe are expected to proceed as planned.
