Bipartisan Deal Reached to End Longest US Government Shutdown
In a rare show of cooperation, US senators have advanced legislation to temporarily end the record 35-day government shutdown. The partial closure left 800,000 federal workers without pay and disrupted critical services before lawmakers agreed on a stopgap funding measure.
Senate Passes Temporary Funding Bill
The Senate voted 81-18 to approve a bill reopening government through February 15, including back pay for affected employees. The breakthrough came after:
– Weeks of stalemate over border wall funding
– Mounting pressure from both parties
– Growing public outrage
Senate leaders McConnell (R-KY) and Schumer (D-NY) announced the agreement, which notably excludes President Trump’s requested $5.7 billion for border security.
Economic and Human Impact of Shutdown
The shutdown created widespread consequences:
✅ Federal workers: 800,000 missed two paychecks
✈️ Air travel: TSA sickouts caused major delays
💰 Economy: $11 billion total impact ($3B permanent loss)
🏠 Services: Disruptions to food safety, housing, and IRS
What Happens Next?
The deal sets up a critical three-week negotiation period. Key developments to watch:
– Bipartisan committee working on border security deal
– February 15 deadline for longer-term solution
– Potential presidential emergency declaration
