Senate Advances Plan to End Government Shutdown; Trump Teases Tariff Dividend

Senate Advances Shutdown-Ending Bill

• 🏛️ The Senate voted 60-40 to advance a bill aimed at ending the record-long government shutdown, now in its 41st day.
• 🤝 Eight moderate Democrats broke with party leaders to support the bill, which funds most government agencies through January 30th and provides full-year funding for agriculture and veterans affairs.
• 🏥 Democrats failed to secure an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies in this bill, but received a pledge for a separate vote on the issue in December.
• ⚠️ The bill's quick passage still faces potential delays as any senator can object to ending the shutdown swiftly.

Travel Disruptions and SNAP Benefits

• ✈️ Over 2,700 flights were canceled nationwide due to the government shutdown and FAA air traffic restrictions, compounded by severe winter weather.
• ❄️ Frigid temperatures and lake effect snow are causing treacherous travel conditions, particularly in Chicago.
• 🍎 A federal appeals court ruled against the Trump administration's bid to partially fund SNAP benefits during the shutdown, ordering full funding to prevent harm to millions.

Economic Policies and International Relations

• 💰 President Trump suggested a "tariff dividend" of at least $2,000 per person could be funded through tax cuts passed earlier this year.
• 🇨🇳 China has added fentanyl precursors to its list of controlled exports, a step towards combating the flow of synthetic opioid ingredients to the US.
• 🚢 The Trump administration has suspended its probe into China's shipbuilding industry for one year.
• 🥩 President Trump is calling for a DOJ investigation into foreign-owned meat packers for alleged collusion and price fixing in beef prices.

Market Reactions and Company News

• 📈 Futures are higher on optimism that the government shutdown will end, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq showing gains.
• 📊 Stock strategists anticipate a market rally in the next year, fueled by solid earnings, with some forecasting the S&P 500 to reach record highs.
• 💊 Pfizer has won the bidding war for weight loss drug startup Metaphor, securing a $10 billion deal.
• 🍾 Dave Lewis has been named the new CEO of British drinks giant Diageo, succeeding the previous CEO.

Other Notable News

• 🕊️ Reports indicate President Trump has pardoned Rudy Giuliani and other allies involved in attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
• 🚀 Blue Origin postponed a planned second flight of its New Glenn rocket due to weather and equipment issues.
• 🏈 Paul Tagliabue, former NFL commissioner, passed away at age 84.