Senate passes deal to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history

The U.S. Senate on Monday night approved, by 60 votes to 40, the bipartisan package that would end the longest government shutdown in the country's history, which began on October 1 and has now lasted 41 days.

Eight Democrats — seven senators and independent Angus King — joined Republicans to break the deadlock after six weeks of failed votes. Democratic leader Chuck Schumer voted against the deal because it does not resolve the health care subsidies issue.

The package funds most of the government through January 30 and provides full-year funding for three agencies, including Agriculture and Veterans Affairs. It also guarantees back pay for furloughed federal workers and reimburses states for what they spent to keep the SNAP and WIC food aid programs running.

What it does not resolve is the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expire at the end of December. The deal only guarantees a vote on the issue in December.

The government is not open yet: the House Rules Committee advanced the measure in the early hours of Wednesday after a hearing lasting more than six hours, and the full House, which has not been in session since September 19, is expected to vote on Wednesday evening. If it passes, President Donald Trump could sign it that same night.

Photo: News One USA

Source: News One USA