Senate Advances Proposal to End Government Shutdown, Funding Extended Through January

Senate Votes to Advance Spending Bill

• 🗳️ The Senate voted 60-40 to advance a House-passed continuing resolution, a significant step towards ending the 40-day government shutdown.
• 🗓️ This new deal will extend government funding through late January, a shorter duration than previous year-long packages.

Key Provisions and Exclusions

• 🏛️ The legislation includes funding for military construction, the VA, the legislative branch, and agriculture, notably including SNAP benefits.
• ❌ A key Democratic demand, extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, was notably absent from the immediate deal.
• 🤝 Senate Republicans have promised a separate vote on ACA subsidies by the second week of December, but passage is not guaranteed.

Repercussions for Federal Workers and SNAP Recipients

• 🧑‍💼 Federal employees furloughed during the shutdown will be re hired and will receive back pay.
• 🍎 The deal also addresses funding for SNAP, ending legal disputes over payments during the shutdown.
• ⚖️ An appeals court had previously ordered the Trump administration to fund SNAP during the shutdown.

Path Forward for Reopening Government

• 📝 While the Senate vote is a massive step, the package still needs full Senate approval before heading to the House and then to the White House for the president's signature.
• ⏳ Reopening the government officially may still take several days to complete the legislative process.