John Thune: 8 Democrats Join GOP to End Government Shutdown, Funding Bills Ahead

Progress Towards Reopening Government

• 💡 Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that eight Democrats joined Republicans to pass a bill that takes the first step toward reopening the government.
• 🎯 A vote on a clean continuing resolution until January 30th is expected very soon, potentially within hours.

Bipartisan Appropriations Bills

• 📊 Alongside the continuing resolution, there will be votes on three bipartisan, full-year appropriations bills.
• 🛠️ These bills cover funding for military construction, VA, agriculture, and the legislative branch.
• ✅ This means year-long funding will be secured for critical programs like SNAP, WIC, veterans' benefits, and essential farm programs.

Impact of the Shutdown

• ⚠️ The shutdown has reached its 41st day, jeopardizing nutrition benefits and creating precarious situations for air travel.
• 😥 Government workers have been working for nearly six weeks without pay.

Call for Swift Action

• 🚀 Thune urged all members, regardless of party or stance on the bill, not to obstruct the process of delivering relief.
• 🗣️ He emphasized the need to get the bill to the House quickly to end the shutdown and alleviate suffering for the American people.
• 🗓️ The continuing resolution is designed to provide more time to complete bipartisan appropriations work through regular order.