Alaska Rep. Nick Begich was among the 222 U.S. Congressmen who voted on Nov. 12 to end the country’s longest-ever government shutdown. A total of 209 lawmakers voted against reopening the government, most of them Democrats.

“Tonight, the House took decisive action to reopen the federal government and ensure that essential services and paychecks are restored to hardworking federal employees, many of whom continued to serve throughout this shutdown,” Begich stated shortly after the House voted. “This bill delivers a responsible solution that gets Americans back to work. With this funding package passed, it’s time to turn the page and continue to advance America first priorities: strengthening our economy, ensuring energy dominance, securing our borders, supporting our veterans, and fighting for the people of Alaska.”

The 43-day shutdown resulted in federal workers missing multiple paychecks, while thousands of passengers were stuck in airports across the nation, and many other citizens flooded food banks for free meals.

In order to pass the funding bill, which was narrowly approved by the U.S. Senate, Republicans had to marshal a narrow majority in the House and ultimately prevailed by just 13 votes.

Eight Democrats broke with their party to join the 214 Republicans who voted for the funding bill, which will keep the federal government open through Jan. 30, 2026. Trump signed the bill shortly after it passed the House.

Most Democrats opposed the bill, claiming it should have included an extension of the Covid-era, enhanced tax credits to make health care insurance more affordable via the “Affordable Care Act” marketplaces.

While Republicans pledged to vote on extending the tax credits in December, the issue remains divisive and highly partisan.

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