The BareStory
The U.S. Senate has voted to end the longest government shutdown in the nation's history, passing a temporary funding bill that now moves to the House. The 60-40 vote was secured after eight senators who caucus with the Democratic Party joined with Republicans. The continuing resolution funds most of the government through January 30, with some agencies funded for the full year.
The vote followed a 42-day stalemate in which congressional Democrats sought to include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies in any funding deal. This demand was not met, though the final agreement reportedly includes a Republican commitment to hold a future vote on the subsidies. Concessions secured by Democrats include back pay for furloughed federal workers and a reversal of firings made by the Trump administration during the shutdown, according to reports.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, caused significant disruptions. Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers led to thousands of flight cancellations, with one industry group, Airlines for America, stating that schedules would not immediately return to normal. Government and union officials said federal workers missed two paychecks.
The deal has caused public division within the Democratic Party, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer facing criticism despite voting against the measure. Several Democratic officials and commentators called for his replacement, with Representative Ro Khanna stating Schumer is "no longer effective" and Governor Gavin Newsom describing the outcome as "pathetic." In response, some of the senators who broke ranks defended their vote. Senator John Fetterman said his party "crossed a line" by allowing Americans to go without pay, while Senator Angus King cited the "collateral damage to the American people."
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Air travel may continue to face disruptions in the short term, as flight schedules are not expected to return to normal immediately.
• Furloughed federal workers will receive back pay for missed checks, while firings made during the shutdown are set to be reversed.
• Funding for most of the government is temporary, lasting until January 30, which creates the possibility of another shutdown in the near future.
• The future of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies remains uncertain, as an extension was not included in the bill, pending a potential future vote.
