US President Donald Trump claimed success in his effort to end the record-long government shutdown, as the House of Representatives prepared to vote on a funding bill on Wednesday. The vote follows a breakthrough in the Senate, where eight Democrats sided with Republicans to push the bill forward.

In a celebratory speech, Trump said, “Congratulations to you and to John and to everybody on a very big victory. We’re opening up our country – it should have never been closed.” He addressed these remarks to Speaker Mike Johnson and other supporters.

Republicans Confident of Passing Funding Bill

Republicans expect to win the vote easily, as the bill requires only a simple majority. Although top Democrats plan to oppose it, the GOP’s narrow edge in the House makes its passage likely. The bill would reopen government operations after six weeks of shutdown, the longest in US history.

From the beginning, Trump increased pressure on Democrats by allowing the shutdown to drag on. He refused to negotiate over their demand to extend health insurance subsidies.

Shutdown’s Toll on Americans

The shutdown left nearly one million federal workers without pay. Food assistance programs for low-income families were at risk, and thousands of flights faced delays and cancellations during the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel disruptions could worsen if the impasse continued. “You’re going to have airlines that make serious calculations about whether they continue to fly, full stop,” he said at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

Democrats Divided Over Bill and Health Subsidies

The spending deal has exposed internal rifts among Democrats. Some argue the party should have stood firm on extending health insurance subsidies, a core issue that sparked the shutdown.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the compromise, calling it “Pathetic” on X.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also faced backlash from within his party for failing to unite Democratic senators behind a stronger stance. Despite voting against the bill, he has come under pressure to step down.

Republicans Promise Health Insurance Vote

To ease tensions, Senate Republicans pledged to allow a separate vote on health insurance subsidies. Millions of Americans could see their “Obamacare” premiums double if the subsidies lapse.

The healthcare dispute continues to divide Trump’s own “Make America Great Again” coalition, revealing internal strains even as the president celebrates ending the shutdown.