The U.S. Senate has agreed to a bipartisan funding package that should end the government’s shutdown, after eight Democrats reversed their opposition.
Senate Approves Funding Package
The U.S. Senate, by a 60‑to‑40 vote, approved a bipartisan plan to fund most federal agencies through the end of January. The agreement also requires reversing the furloughs of officials imposed during the shutdown and paying back unpaid salaries.
Criticized Compromise
Obamacare subsidies that expire at year‑end remain unresolved; a minority of Democrats have broken ranks, but the coalition lacks guarantees from Republicans. Many Democrats fear the related bills may fail in the House, leaving millions without coverage.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the deal “offers no solution to the health crisis,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom called the decision “pathetic.”
Aviation Problems
The longest shutdown in U.S. history triggered major disruptions: on Sunday airlines canceled nearly 3,000 flights and delayed about 10,000. The Federal Aviation Administration reported 12 airports suspended operations due to air‑traffic‑controller staffing shortages.
Reuters noted 1,500 flights were canceled on Monday. Funding gaps also delayed payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and a city food bank said it was preparing 8 million more meals than the current budget planned.
Trump Angered at Air Traffic Controllers
On Monday, President Donald Trump demanded that air‑traffic controllers return to work immediately, despite their lack of pay during the shutdown, warning that those who refuse would be severely penalized. He wrote, “All air traffic controllers must return to work immediately! Anyone who does not will be ‘utterly’ removed.”
