US Government Shutdown Finally Ends After 41 Days
The prolonged US government shutdown that created chaos across federal services appears to be nearing its end. The Senate successfully passed legislation on Monday to reopen the government, breaking a grueling six-week stalemate that had left thousands of workers unpaid and disrupted essential services.
Senate Breakthrough After Weeks of Deadlock
In a crucial 60-40 vote that ended the 41-day shutdown, eight moderate Democrats broke ranks with their party to support the bill. The Democrats had been insisting that Republicans negotiate health care tax credits set to expire on January 1. However, with GOP leaders refusing to budge on this demand, the eight senators eventually switched their votes to enable the passage.
The legislation includes significant provisions to protect federal workers, reversing mass firings by the Trump administration that occurred during the shutdown period. It also guarantees protection against further layoffs through January and ensures that all federal employees will receive their overdue pay once government operations resume fully.
What's Next: House Vote and Implementation
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has informed lawmakers that voting on the Senate-passed bill could begin as early as 4 pm on Wednesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed relief, stating, "It appears our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end." He has urged all lawmakers to return to Washington promptly, with the official notice indicating the earliest House vote would occur Wednesday afternoon.
The funding agreement extends through January 30, temporarily putting the federal government on a path that would add approximately $1.8 trillion annually to its existing $38 trillion debt. The deal also establishes provisions for a bipartisan budget process and prevents the White House from using continuing resolutions for government funding.
Flight Disruptions to Continue Despite Reopening
The aviation sector has been among the hardest hit during the shutdown, with air traffic controller shortages leading to massive flight cancellations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had warned that if the shutdown continued, air traffic could "slow to a trickle" during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday period.
According to recent reports, over 2,000 flights have been cancelled in the last five days alone. Major airports including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport experienced the highest number of cancellations as air traffic controllers missed their second paycheck due to the shutdown.
President Trump responded strongly on social media, demanding: "All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn't will be substantially 'docked.' REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY."
However, airlines have cautioned that flight disruptions are likely to continue for several days even after the government reopens. "Airlines' reduced flight schedules cannot immediately bounce back to full capacity right after the government reopens," stated airline representatives. They emphasized that with the Thanksgiving travel period beginning next week, immediate action is crucial to minimize further impacts on American travelers.
The Senators Who Made the Difference
The eight Democratic senators who broke with their party to enable the bill's passage were:
- Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)
- Maggie Hassan (New Hampshire)
- Dick Durbin (Illinois)
- Tim Kaine (Virginia)
- Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada)
- Jacky Rosen (Nevada)
- Angus King (Maine)
- John Fetterman (Pennsylvania)
Senator Jeanne Shaheen explained her position, stating: "For over a month, I've made clear that my priorities are to both reopen government and extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. This is our best path toward accomplishing both of these goals."
President Trump has characterized the deal to reopen the government as "very good," signaling White House approval of the compromise that ended one of the longest government shutdowns in US history.
