US senators on Sunday reached an agreement to reopen the government after 40 days, signaling an end to the lengthy shutdown.A group of at least eight Senate Democrats, in consultation with Senate GOP leaders and the White House, reportedly reached a deal on Sunday to end the 40-day US government shutdown in exchange for a future vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. The Senate is expected to vote on the proposal between 8:30 and 9 pm ET (7:30 am IST Monday).
What we know so far:
How Trump reacted?
President Donald Trump, who arrived at the White House from the Commander’s game, told reporters that the shutdown will end soon. “Looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown. We’ll never agree to give any substantial money or any money to really prisoners, illegals that come into our country,” Trump said. “And I think the Democrats understand that. And it looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending. You’ll know very soon,” he added.Also read- US Shutdown: Trump demands ACA payments go straight to Americans; hits at ‘fat cat’ insurers and Obamacare
Thune says ‘the deal is coming together’
Senate Republican Leader John Thune said a test vote was “coming together” as he prepared to put forward a narrow spending package. He cautioned, “We’ll see kind of where the votes are. This kind of stuff can drag on indefinitely if you allow it to.” He told reporters earlier that the chamber planned to vote on the House-passed funding measure to reopen the government, along with a handful of year-long funding bills. The procedural motion has fallen short of the 60-vote threshold 14 times.
What is in the deal?
According to CNN and CBS News, the deal was led by Sens. Angus King of Maine, and Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, in coordination with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the White House. Under its terms, the Senate would vote on a Democrats’ bill concerning the Affordable Care Act by the end of the second week of December. The agreement also calls for the reversal of all shutdown-related layoff notices and extends the stopgap funding measure through January, among other provisions.Also read- US Shutdown affects passengers: Over 2,100 flights cancelled; transportation secretary Duffy accuses Schumer of ‘playing politics’Meanwhile, NBC news reported that the agreement contains a package of bills, known as a “minibus” — three full-year appropriations bills that will fund certain departments like Agriculture through the end of the fiscal year next fall — and a continuing resolution to fund the rest of the government at existing spending levels through January 30. It also fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, once known as food stamps, through next September, a major flashpoint in the shutdown, according to sources. The sources said the deal also reverses Trump’s attempted layoffs of federal workers during the shutdown through RIFs, or “reduction in force” notifications. As per NBC, in a major concession from Democrats, it does not include an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Allowing the funds to lapse would raise insurance premiums for millions of Americans unless they are extended. Instead, the Democrats settled for a promise that the Senate will vote on a bill to extend the subsidies by the end of the second week of December, with the outcome uncertain, two of the sources said.Also read- Shutdown strain: US economy reels under layoffs and lost pay; food banks, small firms struggle to cope
What would be next step if vote succeeds
Even if Sunday’s vote succeeds, the shutdown may not end immediately. House Democrats would need to approve the package, and their support was not assured. The Associated Press reported that necessary Democratic backing remained uncertain, in part because many Democrats continue to demand a one-year extension of the ‘Obamacare’ subsidies for low-income Americans in return for reopening the govt.Republicans need only five Democratic votes to clear the Senate threshold, and around 10 to 12 Democrats have been involved in the talks. Critics within their ranks have said the emerging deal falls short. If the Senate passes the amended package, it must still clear the House of Representatives and be signed by President Trump, a process that could take several days.
