The US Senate has approved a funding bill that could conclude 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 Approved

    The US Senate passed a critical funding bill late Monday, with a vote of 60-40. This legislation is poised to end the longest government shutdown in US history, which has persisted since October. The bill received bipartisan support, with nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats voting in favor. It will fund the government until January 30, 2024. The bill's passage is a crucial step toward restoring federal operations and services that have been suspended during the shutdown. Federal employees, many of whom have been on unpaid leave or working without pay, are expected to receive compensation for their time during the shutdown. Senator Susan Collins, a key author of the bill, expressed optimism about reopening the government.

    Impact of the Shutdown

    The ongoing shutdown has had widespread effects on various services, including air travel and food assistance programs. On Monday alone, over 2,400 flights were canceled, and at least 9,000 were delayed, according to FlightAware. The shutdown has also impacted food benefits for approximately 41 million low-income Americans, raising concerns about food security. The funding bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it must be approved before reaching President Donald Trump's desk for final approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called members back to Washington to discuss the measure, which is expected to begin on Wednesday.

    Details of the Funding Agreement

    The funding bill includes full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture and military construction, as well as legislative agencies. It guarantees that all federal workers will be compensated for the duration of the shutdown. Additionally, it provides funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September 2024. A significant aspect of the agreement is a commitment to address healthcare subsidies that are set to expire this year. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House negotiated this provision, which was a key demand from Democratic leaders. However, some Democrats have criticized their colleagues for supporting the bill without stronger guarantees on healthcare.

    Reactions and Future Steps

    While some Democrats have voiced concerns about the lack of substantial healthcare reforms in the bill, others, like Senator Tim Kaine, defended the compromise, emphasizing the importance of supporting federal workers. The House's approval of the funding bill remains uncertain, as Johnson has indicated he may not bring the healthcare measure to a vote. President Trump has signaled his willingness to sign the funding bill if it passes the House, stating that the deal is favorable. As the situation develops, the focus will shift to the House's discussions and the potential for further negotiations on healthcare subsidies.