US lawmakers have backed a measure that may bring an end to the lengthiest government shutdown in history. The shutdown, which lasted 41 days, led to the suspension of various government services and left around 1.4 million federal workers either on unpaid leave or working without pay.
Following intensive negotiations over the weekend in Washington, a bipartisan effort resulted in a 60-40 Senate vote in favor of a resolution. The bill is now set to move to the House of Representatives for a vote, scheduled on Wednesday, November 12.
Since running out of funds on October 1, the government has been grappling with service disruptions, impacting sectors such as air travel. Staffing shortages caused the delay of 7,000 flights and the cancellation of 2,000.
President Trump, via social media, urged unpaid air traffic controllers to resume work promptly. The legislation not only safeguards federal employees from further layoffs until January but also ensures their pay once the shutdown concludes. Additionally, it reverses the mass dismissals of federal workers initiated by the Trump administration since the shutdown’s onset.
President Trump has expressed his backing for the bill, emphasizing a swift reopening of the country. Although the shutdown could persist for a few more days as House members return to vote, Republicans have pledged to extend health care subsidies by mid-December, with uncertain outcomes.
Senator Shaheen highlighted that the resolution was imperative after Republican resistance, emphasizing the shutdown’s impact on healthcare concerns. House Speaker Mike Johnson urged swift action due to shutdown-related travel disruptions.
Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the deal as a grave error, reached after five Democrats shifted their stance to align with Republicans, the exact number required for passage. House votes on the funding bill are anticipated on Wednesday, as per reports from Reuters and AFP News Agency.
Majority Leader John Thune expressed relief, labeling the shutdown as the lengthiest in U.S. history and signaling its forthcoming end.