On Wednesday, the House of Representatives took a step towards ending the historic shutdown of government by passing an important procedural vote with a razor thin margin of 216-213.
As the vote closed, lawmakers erupted in loud reaction, as Republicans cheered the breakthrough, and Democrats expressed frustration with the terms of agreement.
This vote is the first in a long time to result in a concrete step towards reopening agencies and paying furloughed employees, as well as restoring government functions. This funding bill is the same as the Senate version, which has been in procedural limbo due to internal disputes and increasing pressure across the nation. The shutdown has affected millions of Americans, halting federal services and causing delays in paychecks. It also disrupted national parks, small businesses loans, and other government programs.
Speaker Mike Johnson has spent several days behind-the-scenes working to gain enough GOP backing to pass the bill. Many Republicans were opposed to any legislation that didn’t include more policy concessions. Meanwhile, Democrats claimed Johnson was prolonging the crisis without need.
The momentum started to shift as public pressure increased, delays in air travel increased, and the agencies began warning about deep operational stress. Many lawmakers have been preparing for the moment when they voted to pass the funding bill.
Bill will be forwarded directly to Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. White House officials have already expressed their support for this deal. They call it an important step in restoring stability as policymakers debate the long-term financing issues.
The end of the government shutdown is closer now than it has been in 42 days. As lawmakers prepare to vote on the final measure that will fully reopen federal government, the nation awaits this last procedural step.
The story is developing…
