US Senate members have given their approval to a bill that may bring an end to the lengthiest government shutdown on record. The shutdown, lasting 41 days, led to the temporary halt of government services, leaving around 1.4 million federal workers either on unpaid leave or working without pay.
Following negotiations over the weekend in Washington, a 60-40 vote was achieved, with a minority of Democrats aligning with Republicans to support the agreement. The bill is now set to move to the US House of Representatives for a vote anticipated on Wednesday, November 12.
Since running out of funds on October 1, the government had to suspend various services, causing disruptions across sectors, including US air travel. Staffing shortages resulting from the shutdown led to delays in 7,000 flights and the cancellation of 2,000 flights.
President Trump took to social media to urge unpaid air traffic controllers to return to work immediately. The bill not only safeguards federal employees from further layoffs until January but also ensures they receive their salaries once the shutdown concludes. Additionally, it reverses the mass dismissals of federal workers initiated by the Trump administration since the start of the shutdown.
President Donald Trump has expressed his backing for the bill, stating on Monday that the country will reopen swiftly. Although the 41-day shutdown may extend a few more days as House members, who have been on recess since mid-September, reconvene in Washington to vote on the legislation.
Republicans have committed to a vote to extend health care subsidies by mid-December, though success is not assured. Senator Shaheen highlighted that the current resolution was the only viable option after Republicans remained steadfast. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency for lawmakers to return to Washington promptly due to shutdown-induced travel disruptions.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the deal as a “horrific mistake,” as it was sealed when five Democrats altered their votes — the exact number required by Republicans. ABC News disclosed that the US House of Representatives might conduct its initial votes on the funding bill on Wednesday.
According to Reuters, the deal is poised to restore government funding for federal agencies that expired the previous month. AFP News Agency noted that several Democratic senators broke party ranks to support the compromise deal. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed relief, stating, “This has been an arduous journey, truly the lengthiest shutdown in [US] history. I am exceedingly pleased to announce that we are nearing the conclusion.”
