House passes, president signs government funding bill

The House cleared federal government funding legislation Wednesday evening, and President Donald Trump signed the bill shortly after, ending the longest government shutdown in history. The package funds the government through Jan. 30, and the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, and Congressional operations through the end of FY26 (Sept. 30).

“We are grateful that Congress came together to re-open the government and put an end to the longest government shutdown in history. But we are even more grateful to the credit unions who were a steadfast partner to millions of Americans facing financial hardships,” said America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson. “We saw during the shutdown just how essential credit unions are to the financial well-being of people and communities across the country. With Congress back in session, our focus remains on amplifying credit unions’ voice to protect and enhance their ability to meet members’ needs, in good times and bad.”

Credit unions stepped up for thousands of affected members across the country with paycheck replacements, low or no-interest loans, fee waivers, and more. In the Washington, D.C., area alone, the MD|DC Credit Union estimates credit unions provided more than $208 million to more than 11,000 affected members. In California, nearly 100 credit unions offer government shutdown programs ranging from furlough assistance loans to new products specifically targeted to those facing food shortages.  

As regular paychecks resume, credit unions will continue their efforts to help affected federal workers get back on track financially as well.

Credit unions can still fill out America’s Credit Unions’ survey on the ways they served members during the 43-day shutdown.