WASHINGTON, D.C.(DRGNews)- The United States government reopened for business last week after enough Republicans and Democrats came together in the Senate to pass a short-term funding bill. The bill was then approved by the House and signed by President Trump.

U.S. Representatives were not in session during most of the record-long 43-day shutdown, but were called back once the bill passed through the Senate.

South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson was frustrated by the entire situation.

Johnson, who frequently referred to the government shutdown as “stupid,” has introduced legislation that would prevent it from happening again– ever.

Some federal employees worked during the shutdown, others did not. Whether they did or they didn’t, Johnson says they will receive back pay.

Johnson filed paperwork so he would NOT get paid during the shutdown and believes none of the U.S. Senators and Representatives should’ve gotten paid since they weren’t getting their job done.

The short term funding bill keeps most federal agencies and their programs operating through Jan. 30, 2026. Three agencies, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Veterans Affairs and the Legislative Branch, are each funded through Sept. 30, 2026– which is the end of the 2026 fiscal year.