US senators have passed a bill that may bring an end to the longest government shutdown in history. The shutdown, which has lasted for 41 days, led to the temporary suspension of government services, impacting around 1.4 million federal employees who were either on unpaid leave or working without pay.
Following negotiations over the weekend in Washington, a 60-40 vote was reached, with a minority of Democrats aligning with Republicans in favor of the agreement. The bill is now set to be reviewed by the US House of Representatives, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday, November 12.
Since running out of funds on October 1, various government services have been disrupted, causing turmoil in sectors like US air travel. Staffing shortages resulted in 7,000 flight delays and 2,000 cancellations.
President Trump took to social media, urging unpaid air traffic controllers to return to work immediately. The newly approved legislation ensures federal workers are safeguarded against further layoffs until January and guarantees their payment once the shutdown concludes. Additionally, it includes a reversal of the mass dismissals of federal employees initiated by the Trump administration since the shutdown’s commencement.
President Trump has expressed his support for the bill, indicating a swift reopening of the country. However, the shutdown may persist for a few more days as House members, who have been on recess since mid-September, are summoned back to Washington for the voting process.
Republicans have pledged a vote to extend health care subsidies by mid-December, although success is not assured. Senator Shaheen emphasized that the current resolution was necessary after Republicans remained unyielding.
House Speaker Mike Johnson urged prompt return of lawmakers to Washington amidst travel delays caused by the shutdown. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the deal, labeling it a “horrific mistake” following the shift in votes by five Democrats that proved crucial for the Republicans’ approval.
ABC News reported that the US House of Representatives is poised to cast its initial votes on the funding bill on Wednesday. Meanwhile, AFP News Agency noted that several Democratic senators broke party lines to support the compromise deal in the 60-40 vote.
John Thune, Majority Leader of the US Senate, expressed relief at the impending end of the extended shutdown, hailing it as a significant milestone in the government’s operations.