The U.S. Senate on Monday moved forward on a measure aimed at reopening the federal government and ending a 40-day shutdown that has sidelined federal workers, delayed food aid and hampered air travel.
In a procedural vote, senators proposed a House-passed bill that would be amended to fund the government through Jan. 30 and include a package of three appropriations bills for a full year.
If the Senate ultimately approves the amended bill, the package would still have to be approved by the House of Representatives and sent to President Donald Trump for his signature, a process that could take several days.
Under an agreement with a group of Democrats, Republicans agreed in December to a vote on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, according to a person familiar with the bill negotiations. The subsidies have been a Democratic priority during the funding battle.
The resolution would also reverse at least some of the Trump administration’s mass layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown and fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for one year.
“All federal employees, including members of our military and Coast Guard, Capitol Police officers, Border Patrol agents, TSA screeners and air traffic controllers, will receive their back pay,” Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said of the measure.
The deal was brokered by two New Hampshire Democrats, Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, and Angus King, an independent from Maine, the person said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the chamber’s top Democrat, voted against the measure.
Sunday marked the 40th day of the shutdown, which has sidelined federal workers and affected food assistance, parks and travel, while air traffic control staff shortages threaten to derail travel during the busy Thanksgiving holiday at the end of this month.
Should the government remain closed much longer, economic growth could turn negative in the fourth quarter, especially if air travel does not return to normal levels by Thanksgiving, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned on the CBS show “Face the Nation.” Thanksgiving falls on November 27 this year.
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