UPDATE: The US Senate is taking significant steps toward a vote that could end the historic 40-day federal shutdown, with action expected as early as this evening. As optimism grows, the Senate plans to advance a House-passed stopgap funding bill, a crucial move that could restore government operations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the proposed funding bill will be amended to combine it with three full-year appropriations bills. However, this amended package must still clear the House of Representatives and receive the signature of President Donald Trump, which could extend the process for several days.
As the shutdown continues, the impact on federal workers and essential services has become increasingly severe. Air traffic control staffing shortages are raising alarms about potential disruptions during the busy Thanksgiving travel period, which begins on November 27.
While Senate Democrats have been resistant to passing the funding measure, they are leveraging negotiations to pressure Republicans into agreeing to critical health care fixes, including extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his opposition to the current funding measure, stating, “I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time.” Yet, he hinted that there could be enough Democratic support to pass the bill.
Senator Thom Tillis emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement, citing the mounting effects of the shutdown on federal operations. He remarked, “Temperatures cool, the atmospheric pressure increases outside, and all of a sudden it looks like things will come together.”
Economic repercussions are also at stake. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warned that prolonged shutdown could drive economic growth into negative territory in the fourth quarter if air travel does not normalize soon.
Negotiations are ongoing, and every moment counts as the Senate works through this critical weekend session. The outcome of today’s vote could determine the direction of government operations and the livelihoods of countless federal employees.
Stay tuned for real-time updates as this developing story unfolds in Washington. The urgency to resolve this crisis is palpable, with the nation watching closely as lawmakers strive to reach an agreement before the Thanksgiving holiday.
