The U.S. House is set to vote on a government shutdown bill at midnight (UTC) Thursday, with the outcome having far-reaching implications for millions of Americans. This decision comes after weeks of political deadlock and mounting pressure from both sides. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced the timing of the vote, emphasizing that it’s aimed at ending the impasse. If successful, this move will trigger a reopening process for government agencies, though the transition back to normalcy might take days or even weeks. The decision impacts employees, national parks, and small businesses alike. The vote follows weeks of tense negotiations and escalating public pressure on both sides of the aisle. Understanding the potential consequences is crucial.