Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to reopen the government Wednesday after a 43-day shutdown, marking the longest-ever closure that resulted in employee layoffs, furloughs, and disruptions in air travel.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the House approved the bill earlier in the day with a 222-209 vote to fund the government through January, following the Senate's 60-40 approval on Monday. The shutdown stemmed from a deadlock over Democrats' demand for an extension of health care subsidies expiring at year's end.

The bill's signing came as more Americans faced the federal shutdown's impact, including flight cancellations and delays, especially before the Thanksgiving travel season, and the risk of losing food stamp access for low-income citizens.

Trump blamed Democrats for the "massive harm" caused by the shutdown, urging voters to remember the situation as next year's midterm elections approach, which are viewed as a referendum on his administration.

"With my signature, the federal government will now resume normal operations," Trump announced during the signing event. He emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce living costs and enhance public safety and economic growth, aiming to make America affordable for all citizens.

Despite no tax credit extension in the funding package, Republicans agreed to a Senate vote on the issue next month. Trump criticized Obamacare, calling it a "disaster," and advocated for health care funds to go directly to consumers.

"I am calling today for insurance companies not to be paid, but for the money to be paid directly to the people," Trump stated, arguing this would provide better and less expensive health care options than Obamacare.

The shutdown, which began October 1, was the longest in U.S. history. Previously, in 2019, a 35-day partial shutdown occurred due to political disagreements over Trump's proposed funding for a U.S. southern border wall.