The US Senate has passed a bill to end the longest government shutdown in history, a crisis that has disrupted food benefits for millions and left federal workers unpaid. The 60-40 vote, supported by most Republicans and eight Democrats, temporarily averted a potential stalemate over health subsidies. While the agreement sets a December vote on these subsidies, which benefit 24 million Americans, it doesn't guarantee their continuation. The deal restores funding for federal agencies, halts President Trump's federal workforce reduction plans until January 30, and heads to the House of Representatives for approval. Speaker Mike Johnson aims to pass it swiftly. Trump praised the deal, but it's met with criticism from some Democrats who argue it lacks guarantees for health insurance subsidies. A recent poll shows public blame for the shutdown split between Republicans and Democrats. The deal extends funding until January 30, maintaining the federal government's debt trajectory. Trump's spending cuts and federal payroll reductions have sparked controversy, with some Democrats questioning future spending deals. The agreement doesn't include safeguards against further spending cuts. However, it funds the SNAP food-subsidy program until September 2024, preventing potential disruptions. Trump's demand for air traffic controllers to return to work amid flight cancellations has raised concerns. The administration's staffing shortages and controllers' absence due to financial and work-life challenges have caused significant disruptions. Trump threatened to dock pay and offer bonuses, but officials question the feasibility of such actions. The FAA faces staffing shortages, with 20-40% of controllers absent at major airports during the shutdown, leading to ground delays and flight disruptions.
