Senate Advances Funding Bill, Paving Way to End Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON – The Senate took a meaningful step toward resolving the ongoing government shutdown late Sunday, voting 60-40 to advance a House-passed measure funding the government. This breakthrough follows 14 previous failed attempts and signals a potential path to reopening federal agencies later this week.
The protracted impasse, stemming from disagreements over federal spending levels, has impacted numerous government services and left hundreds of thousands of federal employees facing furlough or working without pay. Passage in the Senate is not final; the bill is expected to be amended with a package of full-year appropriations bills and a temporary funding extension through January as part of a broader deal. The House must then re-approve any changes before the legislation reaches President Biden’s desk.
House leaders have alerted members to prepare for votes on government funding this week, contingent upon final Senate passage. According to a whip notice issued sunday,lawmakers will receive 36 hours’ notice before any vote. The House last voted on related matters on September 19.
Senate GOP leaders intend to attach full-year appropriations bills to the legislation, aiming for a thorough resolution to the funding dispute. However, the path forward remains potentially lengthy, as procedural hurdles and the possibility of individual senators slowing the process could delay final approval.
