Washington, D.C. – The United States Senate has taken a significant step towards reopening the government, with a bipartisan group of senators reaching an agreement to end the prolonged shutdown. A procedural vote saw the Senate advance a measure that paves the way for a final vote on the legislation.
The Senate voted 60-40 in favor of the procedural motion. While a date for the final vote has not yet been set, the House of Representatives would also need to approve the measure before it can be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Under the proposed agreement, Congress would fully fund the Departments of Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, as well as the legislative branch itself. The remaining government agencies would be funded through January 30th.
The legislation aims to provide back pay to government employees who were furloughed during the shutdown, reinstate suspended federal payments to states and municipalities, and bring back employees who were laid off.
President Trump, speaking to reporters on Sunday evening, stated, “It looks like we’re getting closer to ending the shutdown.”
However, passage in the House of Representatives remains uncertain. Democratic leaders have voiced opposition to any agreement that does not include an extension of expiring subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as ‘Obamacare,’ which is not included in the current proposal. Meanwhile, conservative Republicans are seeking a bill that would fully fund the government through September 30th.
Democrats reportedly secured a commitment from Republicans to vote on a bill to renew tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act by mid-December.
Estimates suggest the shutdown is costing the US economy approximately $15 billion per week.
