(Ozi news desk):
New Delhi: The US Senate voted on Monday to end the federal government shutdown, marking the conclusion of the longest shutdown in American history, which lasted 41 days and began on October 1. The resolution is expected to be finalized once the House reconvenes from recess to approve the legislation later this week. President Donald Trump expressed his approval, stating that the country would soon be reopened. The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 60–40, as five moderate Democrats joined Republicans in support, following weeks of stalled negotiations and increasing pressure from unpaid federal employees and the public.
– After extensive negotiations led by former governors and current Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Angus King, a significant agreement was reached to resolve the ongoing impasse. This agreement includes the advancement of three bipartisan spending bills and an extension of government funding until late January, providing a temporary reprieve from the shutdown that has affected federal operations.
– In exchange for this agreement, Republicans committed to holding a vote by mid-December regarding the extension of federal health care tax credits, which are set to expire on January 1. Additionally, the legislation will reverse the mass firings of federal workers that were implemented during the Trump administration and ensure that employees receive back pay once the government reopens.
– The deal has highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressing his opposition due to the lack of guaranteed health care subsidy extensions. Some Democrats, like Senators Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders, criticized the compromise, suggesting that a stronger stance could have yielded better results. Conversely, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries supported Schumer’s leadership, asserting that the party remains aligned in their objectives as they prepare for the upcoming vote on health care subsidies in December.
