UPDATE: The U.S. Senate has just advanced a critical measure aimed at ending a 40-day federal shutdown that has significantly impacted federal workers, delayed food aid, and disrupted air travel. In an urgent procedural vote, the Senate moved forward on a House-passed bill that is set to fund the government until January 30 and includes a comprehensive package of three full-year appropriations bills.
This development is crucial as the shutdown has already affected over 2.2 million civilian federal employees, with many facing uncertainty about their jobs and pay. Should the Senate pass the amended bill, it will still require approval from the House and President Donald Trump, a process that could extend for several days.
The Senate approved the measure with a 60-40 vote, the minimum needed to overcome a filibuster, signaling a potential breakthrough in the prolonged standoff. “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” Trump stated to reporters prior to the vote. The bill includes provisions to prevent federal agencies from terminating employees until January 30, a significant victory for federal worker unions.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation guarantees back pay for all federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air-traffic controllers. This measure comes as the administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce have seen an expected 300,000 employees leave by year-end.
As the Senate reconvenes on Monday, Republican leaders will seek bipartisan cooperation to expedite the vote, potentially avoiding lengthy procedural delays. “It was a good vote tonight,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune after the session. “Hopefully, we’ll get an opportunity tomorrow to set up the next votes.” Failing a swift agreement could extend the shutdown into the upcoming weekend, intensifying economic concerns.
Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, both Democrats from New Hampshire, along with Independent Senator Angus King from Maine, played pivotal roles in brokering the deal. The agreement includes a commitment to a December vote on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, a priority for many Democrats amid the funding negotiations.
“For over a month, I’ve made clear that my priorities are to both reopen government and extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits,” Shaheen posted on X, emphasizing the importance of the current negotiations.
As the turmoil continues, the impacts of the shutdown are felt across the nation. Thanksgiving is just weeks away, and air travel may be significantly affected if the shutdown persists. Economic analysts warn that prolonged closures could lead to negative growth in the fourth quarter, particularly if air travel remains disrupted during the busy holiday season.
Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina noted that the mounting consequences of the shutdown have driven the Senate toward a potential agreement. As federal workers and citizens alike watch closely, the urgency for action has never been more pronounced.
As developments unfold, all eyes will be on the Senate’s actions in the coming days. With the stakes high and the impact widespread, the future of federal operations hangs in the balance, and the nation waits with bated breath for resolution.
