After 41 days, the longest federal government shutdown in the history of the US is finally moving toward an end. The US Senate passed a funding bill 60–40 on Tuesday, with eight Democrats joining Republicans to break the impasse.
The bill will pay around 1.25 million federal workers who had been furloughed or working without pay, and it keeps essential services running, such as veterans’ programs, food aid, and other federal operations, until late January.
However, it does not immediately extend healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Lawmakers plan to address this in a December vote.
The shutdown caused significant disruptions wherein flights were delayed, federal contracts stalled, and millions of Americans relying on government programs faced uncertainty.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for approval and then to the President for signature. Once signed, federal employees will be paid, and government services will resume, though the healthcare debate continues.
Also Read: NDA vs Mahagathbandhan, Bihar votes in final round
