Washington, Nov 11.- As it enters its 42nd day today, it appears that the longest government shutdown in U.S. history will soon come to an end following the Senate's approval of a funding measure that will resolve the stalemate.
After more than a dozen failed votes and marathon negotiations, the upper chamber managed to pass the proposal with the support of eight Democrats. The vote concluded 60-40, and now the revised bill will require approval from the full House of Representatives.
However, there are criticisms directed at the Democratic senators who joined Republicans last night to pass the measure, as they did not guarantee—according to critics—their party's demand to ensure an extension of the enhanced subsidies from the Affordable Care Act, which help millions of Americans afford insurance.
Democratic senators who defended the government shutdown due to their healthcare-related demands expressed frustration after their colleagues crossed party lines to support a compromise that does not guarantee that the extension of those enhanced subsidies will become law.
For legislator Andy Kim, what “just happened in the Senate chamber was an absolute disgrace,” while the Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, now faces criticism from some frustrated progressives.
The agreement reached, which is expected to be signed by President Donald Trump, would restore critical services such as funding for the federal food assistance program (the so-called SNAP benefits), as well as pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
The House will hold a vote on the bill tomorrow.
According to a notice from the majority whip, Republican Tom Emmer, “the first votes may occur as early as 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, and several rounds of voting are expected.”
In the coming days, attention will turn to House Speaker Mike Johnson and members of that legislative body, who are returning to Washington after being in their districts since mid-September.
The current shutdown has surpassed the one from December 2018-January 2019, which lasted 35 days during Trump's first term (2017-2021).
