Background on Key Figures and Their Relevance
The United States Senate has approved a measure intended to reopen the federal government and end a shutdown that has left federal employees jobless, delayed food assistance, and caused disruptions in air travel. This development is significant as it directly impacts millions of Americans and the functioning of various federal agencies.
Senate Vote and Next Steps
In a procedural vote, senators approved a bill passed by the House of Representatives that will be amended to fund the government until January 30th. This package also includes a set of three appropriations bills for the entire fiscal year.
The bill still needs approval from the House of Representatives and then will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. This process could take several days.
Democratic Concessions and Key Priorities
As part of an agreement with a group of Democrats who defied their party’s leadership, Republicans agreed to vote on extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies in December. These subsidies, which assist low-income Americans in paying for private health insurance and expire by the end of the year, have been a top priority for Democrats during the funding battle.
Content of the Bill
The bill prohibits federal agencies from laying off employees until January 30th, which is a victory for federal workers’ unions and their allies. It also ensures retroactive pay for all federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers.
This agreement was negotiated by two Democrats from New Hampshire, Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, along with Angus King, an independent from Maine. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a prominent Democrat in the chamber, voted against the measure.
Impact on Federal Employees
At the start of Trump’s second term, approximately 2.2 million civilian federal employees were working. It is anticipated that around 300,000 federal employees will leave their positions by the end of this year due to Trump’s reduction-in-force initiative.
The approved bill ensures that federal employees, including military personnel, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers, receive retroactive pay.
Disruptions in Air Travel
Flight Cancellations and Delays
Authorities have warned that air travel in the United States could “dwindle to a trickle” due to cancellations and delays of thousands of flights, causing chaos for passengers amidst the federal government shutdown.
Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, stated that the number of affected or cancelled flights will multiply if the budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans continues, as Americans prepare for Thanksgiving travel at the end of this month.
“The situation will only worsen… Over the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, we’ll see air traffic dwindle to a trickle,” Duffy said on CNN’s State of the Union program.
As of late last night, over 2,300 flights within the US and to/from the US had been cancelled, with more than 8,000 delays, according to FlightAware data.
Among the most affected airports are New York’s three major airports, Chicago’s O’Hare, and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson.
Newark Liberty International Airport, a significant hub in the Northeastern US, was severely impacted, with 27% of its flights cancelled and departure delays at 40%.
