House Passes Funding Package to End Record-Breaking Government Shutdown
The House convened on Wednesday for the first time in over 50 days to address the ongoing government shutdown. A funding package was passed by the House with a vote of 222-209, aiming to put an end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The bill is now headed to President Trump's desk for final approval to reopen the government. It includes funding to keep the government operational until Jan. 30 and provides funding for certain government agencies for the rest of the fiscal year. This breaking news story will be updated as more details emerge.
After 54 days, the House is back in session, focusing on a crucial vote to end the record-breaking government shutdown. A key procedural step was cleared with a vote of 213-209 to move forward with the government funding package for full consideration on the House floor. The House is currently engaged in debates on the funding package, with each side allotted 30 minutes for discussion, totaling up to an hour. This marks the 43rd day of the shutdown, surpassing the previous 35-day shutdown record.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism that the shutdown will soon come to an end, acknowledging the hardships faced by Americans due to flight delays, food insecurity, and missed paychecks. He attributed the prolonged impasse to Democrats but assured that Republicans are committed to delivering for the people. The Senate had previously passed the funding deal to keep the government running until Jan. 30, along with full-year funding for various programs. The deal also addresses backpay for furloughed workers and reverses certain Trump administration actions during the shutdown.
President Trump indicated his willingness to sign the deal, despite some reversals of his administration's actions. The House, which has been out of session since September, is now back in session to address the funding package. With the possibility of losing only two Republican votes, Johnson is working to secure support for the legislation. Democrats are facing internal disagreements as the shutdown concludes without addressing their demands on health care. Efforts are being made to address ACA subsidies through a potential discharge petition in the House.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries highlighted the ongoing fight to improve the health care system and reduce living costs for Americans. Democrats are considering a discharge petition related to ACA subsidies, requiring 218 signatures to force a vote in the House. While some House Republicans support extending ACA tax credits for a year, the outcome remains uncertain. The focus is on resolving the shutdown and addressing key issues affecting the American people.