WASHINGTON: The US Senate on Sunday advanced a key measure aimed at reopening the federal government after a 40-day shutdown that disrupted federal services, halted food aid, and created travel delays nationwide.
—aIn a procedural vote, senators agreed to move forward with a House-approved bill that will be amended to fund the government through January 30, 2026, and include three full-year appropriations bills. Once the Senate passes the revised legislation, it will return to the House before heading to President Donald Trump for final approval — a process expected to take several days.
—aAs part of negotiations with Democrats, Republicans consented to holding a vote in December on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies — a major Democratic priority in the funding standoff.
The resolution would also reverse parts of the Trump administration’s broad federal layoffs during the shutdown and secure one year of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the deal ensures all federal employees, including military personnel, TSA staff, Border Patrol agents, and air-traffic controllers, will receive full back pay.
IndependentThe bipartisan effort was led by New Hampshire Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, along with independent Senator Angus King of Maine. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the measure.
—fromThe prolonged shutdown has caused widespread disruptions — from stalled national parks and delayed food aid to critical air traffic control shortages ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis said the intensifying consequences forced lawmakers closer to a compromise. Meanwhile, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned the shutdown could turn fourth-quarter economic growth negative if air travel does not normalize by Thanksgiving on November 27.
Trump Targets ACA Subsidies
Amid Capitol Hill negotiations, President Trump again criticized ACA marketplace subsidies, calling them a “windfall for insurance companies” and urging they be replaced with direct payments to individuals.
The subsidies, which have helped push ACA enrollment to 24 million since 2021, remain at the center of the shutdown dispute. Republicans insist the issue can only be addressed after government funding is restored.
Trump’s proposal, however, will not be introduced before lawmakers pass a funding bill, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Senator Lindsey Graham.
Democrats recently offered to reopen the government in exchange for a one-year extension of ACA tax credits, but Republicans rejected the proposal. Senator Adam Schiff warned that Trump’s plan would effectively dismantle the ACA and bring back insurance denials for people with pre-existing conditions.
#USPolitics #GovernmentShutdown #USSenate #DonaldTrump #WashingtonDC #FederalWorkers
