The US Government is business as usual after the longest shutdown in US history – but only till January.

US President Donald Trump's signed a bill to end the shutdown and fund the government, while providing back-pay to federal workers.

It's caused a divide among Democrats, as it doesn't ensure access to Affordable Care subsidies.

US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shutdown costs are estimated to be around NZ$24.6 billion per week, or as much as 1.5% of the GDP.

He says the National Economic Council is estimating that 60,000 non-federal workers lost their jobs during the period.

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