Summary
The U.S. Senate has made progress in ending a government shutdown by advancing a stopgap funding proposal. This shutdown has lasted 41 days, affecting various services and leaving over a million government workers unpaid. The Senate vote allows further debate, but both the House of Representatives and President Trump need to approve the measure for it to become law.
Key Facts
- The Senate's step aims to end a 41-day government shutdown.
- The proposal extends government funding until January 30.
- Over 1.3 million government employees have been unpaid or furloughed due to the shutdown.
- The Senate needs a 60-vote majority to proceed with new bills; Republicans hold 53 seats.
- Eight senators who usually vote with Democrats supported moving the Republican measure forward.
- The planned funding covers some government services like food aid but does not include health insurance subsidies from the Affordable Care Act.
- Democrats seek assurance on health insurance subsidies expiring this year.
- President Trump suggested moving ACA subsidies directly to individuals’ bank accounts.
