The U.S. Senate last night passed the Republican bill on temporary funding of the government of the United States, thanks to the votes of eight Democrats who supported moving forward with the package that would reopen the federal government, Axios reported today.
This is a key procedural vote that represents a clear sign that a bipartisan agreement has been reached to end the record-long shutdown of the U.S. government, which has been in effect since October 1.
For weeks, Democrats insisted that Republicans support the extension of the tax credit for the Affordable Care Act in exchange for their votes to fund the government.
Moderate Democrats ultimately accepted the Republicans’ promise to hold a vote on that law, and the final result of the procedural vote was 60 to 40, with eight Democrats voting “yes” along with Republicans, while Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, was the only Republican vote “against.”
The package of measures to reopen the government required 60 votes, and after its adoption in the Senate, the package to reopen the government can be sent to the House of Representatives, where it will also have to be approved before the government can reopen.
The agreement that was adopted includes a mini package of appropriation bills that will fund military needs, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and the legislative branch.
It also includes a temporary funding measure that will ensure the government remains fully open at least until January 30, 2026.
The provision also includes language to reverse federal layoffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump during the government shutdown.
The shutdown of the United States government began on October 1, at the start of the 2026 fiscal year, after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill that would have allowed federal departments to remain open until November 21.
MORE TOPICS:
Source: Tanjug; Foto: Pexels