Metro East Sun

U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) voted to end the government shutdown, which lasted 43 days and was the longest in U.S. history. The House passed a Continuing Resolution that will fund essential services through January 30th. The vote was largely along party lines.

The resolution provides year-long funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and military construction projects. It includes $263.7 billion for mandatory veterans programs such as disability compensation, education benefits, job training, and ensures healthcare and benefits for veterans are fully funded. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive $107.5 billion, while agriculture and rural development programs are allocated $26.65 billion. Military construction projects will get $19.7 billion.

Bost criticized Democrats for their role in the shutdown: “Washington Democrats inflicted 43 days of pain on the American people just to score points with their political base. Their shutdown was senseless from the start, hurting working families, farmers, and veterans every step of the way," said Bost. "The Republican-led agreement passed by the House today restores access to critical services and provides some certainty at a time when our constituents desperately need it. The People’s House is open once again, and we owe it to them to act responsibly and not pull this country back over a cliff when funding expires in January.”

Mike Bost has served as U.S. Representative since 2014 after defeating William L. Enyart in that year's general election with 52.5% of the vote compared to Enyart's 41.9%. He continued his electoral success by winning subsequent elections against Charles Baricevic in 2016 (54.3% to 39.7%), Brendan Kelly in 2018 (51.6% to 45.4%), Raymond Lenzi in 2020 (60.4% to 39.7%), and Chip Markel in 2022 with a significant margin—75% to Markel's 25%.

More information about this legislative action can be found at https://bost.house.gov/2025/11/bost-votes-to-end-democrat-shutdown.