Additional Coverage:
- Senate Passes Bill To Reopen Government (forbes.com)
WASHINGTON D.C. – After a grueling 41 days, the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is inching closer to an end. The Senate voted Monday night to pass a bill that would reopen the government, bringing a glimmer of hope to countless federal workers and impacted services.
The bill, which passed in a 60-40 vote, still requires approval from the House of Representatives and President Donald Trump, both of whom have indicated support for the measure. Notably, eight members of the Senate Democratic Caucus crossed party lines to back the legislation.
This proposed bill aims to extend government funding through January and reinstate the thousands of federal employees who have been furloughed or working without pay during the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has suggested the House could take up the Senate bill as early as Wednesday.
Impact on Essential Services:
The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences across various sectors. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food stamps, saw its funding halted at the beginning of the month. While some states like California and New York were able to issue full November benefits due to court orders, the Trump administration has appealed to the Supreme Court to prevent these payments.
Airports have also been significantly disrupted, experiencing tens of thousands of flight delays, extended wait times, and severe staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers, many of whom have been working “10-hour shifts, six days a week,” missed their first full paycheck in late October and are set to miss a second.
Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has faced a shortage of officers. These escalating issues prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to order airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 major airports, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of potential 20% reductions if the staffing crisis continues.
Behind the Shutdown:
The historic shutdown began on October 1st, stemming from a congressional failure to pass an appropriations bill. A central point of contention was the expiring subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, which Democrats sought to extend for one year. Republicans initially refused to budge, but the Democratic senators who supported the bill to reopen the government did so after receiving assurances that the Senate would hold a mid-December vote on extending the healthcare tax credits.
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- Senate Passes Bill To Reopen Government (forbes.com)