The United States House of Representatives is set to vote on a critical budget bill on Wednesday, aiming to conclude the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history. Now in its 42nd day, the shutdown has left over a million federal workers unpaid, disrupted food stamp programs for low-income Americans, and caused significant delays in air travel, particularly ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate-approved package, which would fund federal agencies for two months, is expected to face fierce opposition from top Democrats despite Republican confidence in its passage. President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to sign the bill into law, emphasizing the need to reopen the country. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has also led to nearly 1,200 flight cancellations as unpaid air traffic controllers call in sick. Lawmakers are resorting to unconventional means to reach Washington for the vote, with some carpooling or even riding motorcycles. The House Rules Committee advanced the bill in a procedural vote early Wednesday, setting the stage for a full chamber debate and vote later in the day. Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have vowed to oppose the bill, citing concerns over its impact on the cost of living and the lack of provisions to extend health insurance subsidies. Republicans, however, remain united in their refusal to include such measures, offering only a future vote on healthcare subsidies in December. The outcome of the vote remains uncertain, with the Republican majority in the House now reduced to just five votes. The budget bill, if passed, would temporarily avert the next funding crisis, with government funding set to expire again on January 30. Both parties have faced political fallout from the shutdown, with opinion polls suggesting Republicans bear slightly more blame, while Democrats remain divided over their strategy.