A major budget deal aimed at ending the longest government shutdown in US history is heading to the House of Representatives for a decisive vote on Wednesday. Now in its 42nd day, the political impasse has paralyzed federal operations and left millions of Americans struggling with the consequences. Lawmakers are returning to Washington to determine whether to approve a spending package passed by the Senate, which would fund key federal agencies for the next two months. Republican leaders expressed optimism that the plan would pass the lower chamber, despite their narrow majority. However, top Democrats have vowed to oppose the measure, calling it insufficient to address critical issues. President Donald Trump has already signaled his willingness to sign the bill into law, saying at a Veterans Day event in Arlington, Virginia, We’re opening up our country. It should have never been closed. Since beginning on October 1, the government shutdown has halted essential services, leaving about one million federal workers without pay and suspending food assistance programs for low-income families. The disruption has also hit air travel hard, with nearly 1,200 flights canceled on Tuesday as unpaid air traffic controllers called in sick amid growing financial strain.
US House Gears Up for Crucial Vote to End Longest Government Shutdown
Determined to reach the Capitol despite travel chaos, several lawmakers shared their journeys online. Congressman Rick Crawford of Arkansas said he was carpooling to Washington with fellow Republican Trent Kelly of Mississippi, while Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin posted that he was riding his Harley Davidson on the 16-hour trip to fulfill his duty. In a tense early-morning session, the House Rules Committee advanced the spending bill in an 8-4 party-line vote, setting the stage for a full chamber debate scheduled for later in the day. Republicans on the panel dismissed Democratic amendments seeking to extend expiring health insurance subsidies — a key Democratic demand throughout the standoff. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York strongly criticized the legislation, calling it a reckless Republican effort that would continue to burden working Americans. Jeffries also voiced frustration with Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans in approving the package earlier this week.
Democrats have pushed to include provisions that would renew tax credits making health insurance more affordable for 24 million Americans. Republicans, however, refused to add the measure, offering only to hold a separate vote in December — with no guarantee of passage in either chamber. House Speaker Mike Johnson faces tight margins as his party’s majority shrinks to just five votes after Arizona’s newly elected Democrat, Adelita Grijalva, is sworn in. Despite the fragile balance, Johnson’s allies remain confident of success, with few signs of significant internal opposition. If approved, the budget would continue to add roughly $1.8 trillion annually to the nation’s $38 trillion debt. While both parties hope to end the standoff, neither emerges politically unscathed. Polls show Americans assigning slightly more blame to Republicans, while Democrats remain divided over their handling of the crisis. Even if the government shutdown ends this week, lawmakers face another deadline soon. Federal funding is once again set to expire on January 30, setting the stage for yet another high-stakes showdown in the new year.
source:BBC
