Senate Moves to Reopen Government After 40-Day Shutdown

The U.S. Senate has advanced a measure aimed at reopening the federal government, which has been in a shutdown for 40 days. On Sunday, senators voted to move forward on a House-passed bill that will be amended to fund the government until January 30, 2024, and will include a package of three full-year appropriations bills.

If the Senate passes the amended legislation, it will then require approval from the House of Representatives and the signature of President Donald Trump, a process that could extend over several days. The procedural vote succeeded with a margin of 60-40, the minimum necessary to overcome a Senate filibuster.

Trump expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, stating, “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending,” during a press briefing at the White House prior to the vote. The proposed legislation includes provisions that would prevent federal agencies from terminating employees until the end of January, a significant win for federal worker unions.

This agreement also poses a challenge to Trump’s ongoing efforts to downsize the federal workforce, which comprised approximately 2.2 million civilians at the start of his second term. Analysts anticipate that at least 300,000 employees may leave the government by the year’s end due to these downsizing efforts.

In addition, the bill would ensure back pay for all federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air-traffic controllers. As the Senate reconvenes on Monday, Republican leaders are expected to seek a bipartisan agreement to expedite the passage of the bill.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the importance of cooperation, stating, “It was a good vote tonight. Hopefully, we’ll get an opportunity tomorrow to set up the next votes.” If the Senate fails to reach an agreement quickly, it may face a lengthy procedural process, potentially prolonging the shutdown into the following weekend.

The recent deal was facilitated by Democratic Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, along with Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine. Shaheen noted on social media, “For over a month, I’ve made clear that my priorities are to both reopen government and extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. This is our best path toward accomplishing both of these goals.”

Despite the progress, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the measure, reflecting discontent among many Democrats regarding the negotiations. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna criticized Schumer’s effectiveness, questioning the leadership’s ability to advocate for affordable healthcare.

As the shutdown continues, its impact is being felt across various sectors, affecting federal workers, food aid programs, national parks, and travel. Staffing shortages in air traffic control have raised concerns about disruptions during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, which falls on November 27, 2023.

According to White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, if the government remains closed much longer, negative economic growth could occur in the fourth quarter, particularly if air travel does not stabilize by Thanksgiving. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina emphasized that the urgent effects of the shutdown propelled the Senate towards an agreement, underscoring the critical need for a resolution as the holiday season approaches.