Deal to end "Longest Government Shutdown" clears Senate hurdle

Deal to end "Longest Government Shutdown" clears Senate hurdle:

Eight critical votes, from Democratic Senators advanced a short-term spending package on Sunday evening and put the government on the path to re-opening.
The quintet — Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Jacky Rosen of Nevada — voted to end debate on a deal whose main terms had been offered by Republicans weeks ago.
In exchange for their vote to advance the package, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) agreed to give Democrats a vote on extending the enhanced Obamacare subsidies, but did not guarantee its passage — and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hasn’t even committed to taking the measure up in the lower chamber.

Republicans also agreed to rehire federal workers who were laid off during the shutdown and provide back pay to all government employees who went without pay during the funding lapse.

What next?: Senators need to agree on how long to debate before voting on the final bill. This could move quickly, or be held up by senators who want to drag out the process. The House will have to return and adopt the deal struck in the Senate before it is sent to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed.

(By our staff reporter) New York
Picture: AI