A group of Democrats and one independent have worked with Republicans to potentially end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The agreement needs approval from the Senate, House, and President Trump. If accepted, the government could reopen as soon as this week.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted 41 days, making it the longest in U.S. history.
Some Democrats and an independent have reached a deal with Republicans.
The agreement needs approval from the Senate, House of Representatives, and President Trump.
If all parties approve, the government could reopen this week.
The deal aims to restore normal government operations.
The shutdown has affected many government services and employees.
The government shutdown ended after a vote in the Senate. Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia was one of eight Democrats who voted to end it. He explained his decision in a discussion with Geoff Bennett.
Key Facts
The government shutdown was resolved by a Senate vote.
Eight Democratic senators voted in favor of ending the shutdown, including Senator Tim Kaine.
Senator Tim Kaine represents the state of Virginia.
The shutdown caused a stalemate, which refers to a situation where no progress can be made, in the government.
The discussion about the vote took place between Senator Kaine and Geoff Bennett.
The vote to end the shutdown showed differing opinions among Senate Democrats.
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut voted against a deal to end the government shutdown. He discussed the situation with Amna Nawaz, mentioning how the involvement of some Democrats might impact President Trump's actions.
Key Facts
Senator Chris Murphy represents Connecticut.
40 Democrats, including Murphy, voted against ending the shutdown.
8 Democrats voted in favor of the deal to end the shutdown.
President Trump may feel encouraged by some Democrats supporting the deal.
The discussion about the shutdown and votes happened on a show with Amna Nawaz.
President Trump has pardoned several of his allies who were accused of trying to change the results of the 2020 election. These pardons are related to efforts disputing the election won by Joe Biden.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump granted pardons to people connected to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The pardons cover former administration officials and allies.
The 2020 election was won by Joe Biden.
The pardons aim to protect those accused of trying to change the election outcome.
This action is part of President Trump's continued claims about the 2020 election.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a deal to end the government shutdown. The announcement follows a Senate vote that backed the legislation to reopen the government and provide necessary funding. The bill includes stopgap funding to keep government operations going until January 30.
Key Facts
US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced an upcoming House vote to end the federal shutdown.
The Senate's 60-40 vote supports legislation to reopen the government.
Seven Senate Democrats and one independent senator voted with Republicans.
The bill funds federal operations and programs like the SNAP food aid until January 30.
The legislation includes back pay for federal workers who were furloughed.
A decision on healthcare subsidies, a significant issue for Democrats, is delayed until next month.
Cancellation and staffing issues in aviation continue to impact flight schedules.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries supports Senator Chuck Schumer despite some Democrats being angry at Schumer for not stopping senators from advancing a government reopening deal. Jeffries plans to oppose the deal in the House, calling it a "Republican spending bill." Jeffries has stated that most Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, have been fighting against the deal for several weeks.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader from New York.
Jeffries supports Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, who is also from New York.
Some Democrats are upset with Schumer over a government reopening deal.
The deal includes a promise of a vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits in December.
Jeffries calls the deal a "partisan Republican spending bill" and pledges to fight it in the House.
Schumer did not vote for the deal, and most Senate Democrats oppose it.
Representative Jared Moskowitz mocked Schumer in a social media post.
Jeffries will discuss the bill's opposition in a caucus meeting.
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter discussed the Senate's decision to end the longest government shutdown. They also talked about Democrats criticizing President Trump on affordability issues and upcoming challenges Republicans might face in the midterm elections.
Key Facts
The Senate voted on a plan to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
The government shutdown lasted for an extended period before this vote.
Senate action cleared the path to reopen the government.
Democrats are attacking President Trump on issues of affordability.
There's a focus on economic matters affecting everyday people.
Republicans face challenges in the midterm elections ahead.
Analysts are looking at how these political issues might impact future campaigns.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case involving a prisoner, Damon Landor, who claims his religious rights were violated when prison officials cut his dreadlocks. The court will decide if individual government officials can be held financially responsible under a federal law for such violations. The U.S. government supports Landor, but it's uncertain how the Supreme Court will rule.
Key Facts
Damon Landor, a prisoner, alleges his dreadlocks were forcibly cut, violating his religious rights.
Landor filed a lawsuit against individual prison officials and the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
A lower court ruled that the law does not allow suing individual state officials for damages.
The U.S. government supports Landor's case in a court brief, advocating for holding officials accountable.
The Supreme Court's liberal justices seemed to support Landor during the hearing.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted the serious nature of the allegations but mentioned previous courts ruled otherwise.
Louisiana claims the existing law doesn’t allow suing individual officials for monetary damages.
The Supreme Court has not yet made a decision in this case.
The Senate began voting on a plan from Republicans aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Some Democratic Senators decided to vote with Republicans to move the plan forward, while Speaker Mike Johnson said he couldn't promise a House vote on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. The White House approved the proposal to end the shutdown, but many issues, including health care tax credits, remain unresolved.
Key Facts
The Senate votes on a Republican plan to end the government shutdown.
A group of Democratic Senators joined Republicans in the vote to reopen the government.
The deal includes a future Senate vote on extending ACA tax credits set to expire on January 1.
Speaker Mike Johnson said he cannot guarantee a House vote on the ACA issue.
The White House called the Senate proposal a "positive development."
Federal workers would receive back pay under the proposal.
President Trump expressed optimism about ending the shutdown.
Senator Angus King stated that the shutdown wasn't effective in reaching its goals.
President Donald Trump mentioned the idea of giving $2,000 checks to Americans using money from tariffs, but it's unclear if tariffs raise enough funds. Economists say the rebates would need Congress's approval, and the legality of some tariffs is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested $2,000 checks funded by tariffs.
Economists say it's unclear if tariffs provided enough funding.
The U.S. collected about $195 billion in customs duties in Fiscal Year 2025.
More than 163 million Americans filed tax returns this year.
Checks for everyone who filed taxes would mean about $1,192 each.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of some tariffs.
Congress would need to approve any funding shortfall for the checks.
The eligibility for receiving checks is not clearly defined yet.
The new deal to end the U.S. government shutdown does not address the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, which help reduce health insurance costs for many Americans. These credits will expire at the end of the year if Congress does not act. The Senate plans to vote on the issue in December, but it is unclear if the House will do the same.
Key Facts
A new government shutdown deal was reached but does not address expiring health subsidies.
The Affordable Care Act tax credits help lower health insurance costs for millions.
These tax credits will expire at the end of the year if Congress does not extend them.
Senate Republicans and some Democrats agreed to a December vote on the credits.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not agreed to hold a similar vote in the House.
Some Democrats have proposed temporary extensions to keep the subsidies going.
There is no agreement from Republican leaders on these temporary measures.
A judge allowed the continued deployment of over 300 West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., supporting President Trump's efforts to send military to Democratic-run cities. The decision was made despite a lawsuit claiming the state's governor exceeded his authority in authorizing the deployment. The deployment may last until the end of November and could be extended.
Key Facts
A judge ruled that West Virginia National Guard members can stay in Washington, D.C.
President Trump requested the deployment to patrol Democratic-run cities.
The judge's decision came after a lawsuit argued the West Virginia governor overstepped his authority.
The National Guard deployment from West Virginia could extend past November.
The state attorney general's office stated the deployment was lawful.
The lawsuit claimed that deploying the guard forces the civic group to divert resources.
President Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., in August, despite low violent crime rates according to the Department of Justice.
Over 2,300 National Guard troops from several states and D.C. are patrolling under the Army's command.
President Donald Trump responded to criticism from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who said he should focus more on U.S. affordability issues rather than foreign policy. Trump said Greene has "lost her way" and defended his attention to foreign affairs as important.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a Representative from Georgia.
Greene criticized President Trump for focusing too much on foreign policy.
She suggested Trump should pay more attention to affordability issues in the U.S.
President Trump responded by saying Greene has "lost her way."
Trump defended his focus on foreign affairs and national security.
Trump suggested Greene was "catering to the other side."
A clip of Trump's comments can be viewed in an available video player.
President Donald Trump has asked air traffic controllers to return to work during a government shutdown, offering bonuses to those who comply and threatening pay cuts to those who do not. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump's handling of the situation, saying Trump would not manage as an air traffic controller. The shutdown has led to significant flight disruptions across the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump urged air traffic controllers to resume work amid a government shutdown.
Trump promised a $10,000 bonus to controllers who continued working during the shutdown.
Trump threatened to cut the pay of controllers who did not comply with his directives.
Flight delays and cancellations increased due to staffing shortages at major U.S. airports.
Pete Buttigieg commented that Trump would not last as an air traffic controller.
Trump described those who continued working as "GREAT PATRIOTS" and criticized those who did not.
A potential deal in the Senate could end the current government shutdown.
Congress is nearing approval of a bill to reopen the U.S. federal government after a long shutdown. Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, wanted the bill to include health care tax credits but were unable to secure them. Jeffries supports Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer despite some Democrats siding with Republicans to advance the bill.
Key Facts
Congress is close to passing a bill to end the government shutdown.
The shutdown has lasted almost six weeks.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on Democrats' goals for health care tax credits.
Some Democratic senators voted with Republicans on the funding bill.
The bill will not include the desired health care tax credits.
Jeffries backs Senate Leader Chuck Schumer amid some party criticism.
Senate Democratic cooperation with Republicans has drawn mixed reactions.
The conflict centers around funding and health care issues.
President Donald Trump suggested a $2,000 tariff rebate for low- and middle-income Americans, aimed at easing the cost of tariffs. The proposal still requires congressional approval, and there is no formal plan in place. Critics argue that while the idea sounds beneficial, its implementation faces several hurdles.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a $2,000 tariff rebate for low- and medium-income Americans.
The rebate aims to help people cope with higher costs due to tariffs.
The U.S. has collected over $220 billion in tariff revenue.
It is estimated that $2,000 checks would cost around $326 billion.
Congressional approval is required for the rebate to proceed.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned there are no formal proposals yet.
People with incomes between approximately $50,000 to $150,000 might qualify.
Similar to COVID-19 stimulus checks, the rebate might adjust tax credits instead of sending new checks.
President Donald Trump expressed surprise over comments by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has criticized his administration amidst an ongoing government shutdown. Greene, once a strong supporter of Trump, urged him to focus more on economic issues rather than foreign policy.
Key Facts
President Trump is "surprised" by remarks from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Greene has criticized Trump for focusing too much on foreign policy.
She suggests Trump should prioritize economic issues, like rising prices and the cost of living.
Trump said Greene has "lost her way" and is "catering to the other side."
Greene was previously known for supporting Trump and defending his leadership.
Eight Democratic senators voted with Republicans to advance a bill aimed at reopening the U.S. government. This decision sparked criticism from within the Democratic Party. Senator Bernie Sanders expressed strong disapproval of the vote.
Key Facts
Eight Democratic senators supported a Senate proposal to end the government shutdown.
Their decision helped move compromise legislation forward.
Some Democrats criticized the vote, calling it a "betrayal."
The vote took place on a Sunday night.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who is an independent but usually sides with Democrats, strongly opposed the vote.
This vote is seen as the first step toward ending the government shutdown.
The Senate faced internal disagreements over how to best address the shutdown situation.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to review a case challenging the legalization of same-sex marriage. The case involved Kim Davis, who refused to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple due to her religious beliefs. Davis was ordered to pay damages in a civil rights lawsuit brought by the couple.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court chose not to revisit its 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Kim Davis, a former county clerk, refused to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple, citing her religious beliefs.
A lower court ordered Davis to pay $360,000 in damages for violating the couple's rights.
Davis's legal team argued that same-sex marriage rights are based on a "legal fiction."
A federal judge rejected Davis's argument that her religious beliefs shielded her from legal consequences.
The Supreme Court has a conservative majority but did not take up the case, leaving the previous ruling intact.
Obergefell v. Hodges was the 2015 case that established the right to same-sex marriage, considered a landmark victory for LGBT rights.
President Donald Trump issued pardons to several individuals, including his former lawyer Rudy Giuliani and ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows, who were alleged to have tried to overturn the 2020 election results. The pardons do not apply to Trump himself and mostly involve individuals not facing federal charges. Although Trump was indicted for efforts to overturn the election, he faces ongoing legal challenges in Georgia.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned supporters alleged to have tried to reverse the 2020 election results.
The pardons include Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and other Trump allies.
These pardons do not apply to President Trump himself.
Trump believes the accused individuals were targeted for political reasons.
Some individuals were indicted at the state level, where Trump's pardons do not apply.
Trump was indicted for actions related to the 2020 election but federal charges were dropped after he became president again.
Trump faces ongoing legal charges in Georgia regarding the 2020 election.
Trump's claims about election fraud and his supporters' actions on January 6, 2021, are part of the ongoing discussion around these events.
