Congress votes to end longest-ever US Government shutdown after 42-day standoff

The House voted 222-209 in favour of reopening the federal government on Wednesday evening after a record-breaking 42-day standoff.

The shutdown had led to thousands of federal workers not being paid, restrictions on flights caused by air traffic controllers being furloughed, and millions losing food benefits under the SNAP programme.

The Senate had earlier approved a new budget deal after Republicans managed to persuade eight Democrats to break from their party and vote with them.

The bill is now on its way to the White House, with President Trump's signature now needed to formally reopen the government.

Senate Democrats had earlier refused to support any deal without a renewal of healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

But eight of their number decided to vote with their opponents on the promise that the subsidies would be voted upon in the future.

The shutdown has been attributed to horrendous results for Republicans in elections on November 4.

The party, which controls the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate, was seemingly blamed for the ongoing logjam in the polls.

Trump's party lost key races in Virginia, New Jersey, New York and a ballot measure fight in California.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.