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U.S. Senate advances a bill to end the government shutdown
(Washington, DC) — The longest government shutdown in history could be over by mid-week. After 40 days of a standoff, last night the Senate advanced the bill by a vote of 60-to-40. It will extend funding to January 31st, 2026 and also provide funding to other agencies like Department of Agriculture to pay for SNAP benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs. There were also assurances that federal workers furloughed during the shutdown would be reinstated. The vote was met with applause shortly before 11 p.m.
Meantime, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy responded to the government shutdown and Senate vote to Sid Rosenberg host of “Sid and Friends in the Morning” on 77WABC. Duffy said “even if we get it over, it’s going to continue for a few days until we get the air traffic controllers back in their towers.” He added, “They should come right now. I find it unacceptable” if they don’t.
Duffy said air traffic controllers have substantial control over the American economy, but “we can’t inflict this on the American people” moving forward if there’s another government shutdown. He added, “How do we improve this and make it better?”
If things work out with the House, the bill to end the shutdown could be on President Trump’s desk later this week.
