The US Senate has passed a pivotal bill to conclude the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history, marking a significant breakthrough after weeks of political gridlock. The legislation, approved with a 60-40 vote, garnered support from nearly all Senate Republicans and eight Democrats. The shutdown had severely impacted millions of Americans, disrupting food benefits, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid, and causing widespread air traffic delays. The bill restores funding for federal agencies, which expired on October 1, and temporarily halts President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce, preventing layoffs until January 30. However, the agreement does not guarantee the continuation of health subsidies benefiting 24 million Americans, which are set to expire at year’s end. The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass it swiftly and send it to Trump for enactment. While Trump has praised the deal as ‘very good,’ many Democrats remain frustrated, citing the lack of assurances for extending health insurance subsidies. The shutdown has fueled partisan tensions, with a recent poll showing 50% of Americans blaming Republicans and 43% blaming Democrats. Despite the controversy, US stocks rallied on Monday following news of the progress.
US Senate passes bill to end longest government shutdown in country’s history
