UPDATE: The U.S. Senate is poised for a crucial vote today to potentially end the 40-day federal shutdown that has disrupted essential services and sidelined federal workers. As of now, senators plan to advance a House-passed stopgap funding bill, with an initial vote expected as early as Sunday evening.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed that the funding bill will be amended to include a short-term funding measure alongside three full-year appropriations bills. However, this amended package will still require approval from the House of Representatives and President Donald Trump, setting the stage for a tense few days ahead.
Democrats have expressed resistance to the funding measure, seeking to leverage negotiations to secure health care reforms, particularly regarding the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Senator Richard Blumenthal voiced his opposition, stating he could not support a vague promise for future votes on health care provisions. “I am unwilling to accept a vague promise of a vote at some indeterminate time,” he remarked.
Today marks the 40th day of the shutdown, which has impacted millions of Americans by disrupting food assistance programs and federal services, with the looming threat of air travel delays as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches on November 27. Senator Thom Tillis highlighted the urgency of the situation, asserting that the growing fallout from the shutdown is pushing the Senate toward a resolution.
Concerns are mounting regarding the economic repercussions of the shutdown, with White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett warning that continued closure could lead to negative economic growth in the fourth quarter if air travel does not normalize by Thanksgiving.
As the Senate debates, all eyes are on the chamber today. Will they reach a consensus to reopen the government? The implications of this vote are immense, affecting not only federal employees but also the broader economy. Stay tuned for live updates as this urgent story unfolds.
