Senate Moves to End 40-day US Government Shutdown

The US Senate on Sunday advanced a House-approved bill aimed at ending the 40-day federal government shutdown, which has left employees unpaid and disrupted services. The measure will fund the government until January 30 and include three full-year appropriations bills.

If approved by both chambers and signed by President Trump, it will also extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that help low-income Americans afford health insurance. The procedural vote passed 60-40, just enough to overcome a filibuster.

Protections for Federal Workers

The bill prevents federal agencies from firing employees until January 30 and guarantees back pay for all federal staff, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air-traffic controllers.

Senators Maggie Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, and Angus King brokered the agreement. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opposed the measure, and some Democrats criticised party leadership for not protecting healthcare subsidies.

Economic and Travel Concerns

The shutdown has affected food aid, parks, and travel, with air traffic control shortages threatening Thanksgiving travel. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned that prolonged closure could slow fourth-quarter growth.

President Trump again called to replace ACA subsidies with direct payments to individuals, describing current subsidies as a «windfall for health insurance companies.» The ACA enrollment period runs through January 15, allowing time to extend credits for next year.