Summary
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on a plan to end a 40-day government shutdown. This plan involves temporary funding to reopen the government, with an agreement to discuss health care subsidies later. The plan needs both Senate and House approval, and President Trump must sign it into law.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown has lasted 40 days, the longest in U.S. history.
- A Senate vote could approve a temporary funding package to reopen the government through January 31.
- The decision to vote on health care subsidies later helped reach an agreement between Republicans and Democrats.
- Around 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed due to the shutdown.
- Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed due to air traffic staff shortages.
- Food aid for 42 million Americans using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at risk.
- A Supreme Court ruling affects the distribution of SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
- Republicans hold a simple majority in the Senate and need a few Democratic votes to pass the funding measure.
