The US Senate has approved a funding bill that could end the longest government shutdown in history. The bill's passage is significant as it aims to restore federal operations and services.

At a glance

  • Senate passed the funding bill with a 60-40 vote.
  • The bill funds the government until January 30, 2024.
  • Over 1.4 million federal employees have been affected by the shutdown.

    • Funding Bill Passage

    The US Senate passed a critical funding bill late Monday, with a vote of 60-40. Nearly all Republicans supported the measure, along with eight Democrats who broke ranks with their party. This bipartisan effort is aimed at ending the ongoing government shutdown, which has lasted since October. The bill will fund the government until January 30, 2024, and includes provisions to ensure federal employees receive compensation for their time during the shutdown. The House of Representatives must now approve the bill before it can be signed into law by President Donald Trump, who has indicated his willingness to do so.

    Impact on Federal Employees

    The shutdown has significantly affected federal operations, leaving approximately 1.4 million federal employees either on unpaid leave or working without pay. Many essential services have been suspended, leading to widespread disruptions, including significant delays in air travel. On Monday alone, over 2,400 flights were canceled, with at least 9,000 delayed. Senator Susan Collins, a key author of the bill, expressed optimism about reopening the government and ensuring federal employees receive their deserved compensation. The passage of the bill was met with applause from the senators present, despite the largely empty chamber.

    House of Representatives Next Steps

    The funding bill now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where members have been out of session since mid-September. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called members back to Washington to discuss the measure, which is set to begin on Wednesday. Given the narrow Republican majority in the House, every vote will be crucial. The bill not only extends government funding but also includes full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture and military construction. Additionally, it guarantees funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September 2024, benefiting millions of low-income Americans.

    Healthcare Subsidies and Political Tensions

    The funding package includes an agreement for a vote in December on extending healthcare subsidies that are set to expire. This issue has been a point of contention among Democrats, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of concrete guarantees on healthcare in the deal. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House negotiated the agreement, which included input from Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan. While some Democrats criticized their colleagues for supporting the bill without addressing healthcare concerns, others, like Senator Tim Kaine, defended the decision, emphasizing the immediate need to support federal workers.

    President Trump's Support

    President Trump has signaled his support for the funding bill, stating that it is a "very good" deal. He expressed confidence that the government would reopen quickly if the House passes the bill. The political landscape remains tense as both parties navigate the implications of the shutdown and the upcoming healthcare vote in December.