Government Shutdown: What's Next for Workers and Services?

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is about to conclude. The House is set to vote on a spending bill already passed by the Senate, with President Trump's support. If approved, federal services and agencies will reopen immediately.

Key Details of the Bill

• Funding Duration: Keeps the government running until January 2026.
• Agency-Specific Funding:
• Department of Agriculture
• Veterans Affairs (funded for the rest of the fiscal year).
• SNAP Benefits: Fully funded until September 2026, with immediate payouts upon signing.
• Courts previously ordered SNAP payments during the shutdown, but the Supreme Court paused that order.

Impact on Federal Workers

• 670,000 workers were furloughed without pay.
• Essential workers (TSA, air traffic controllers) worked without compensation.
• The bill ensures back pay for all affected employees and reverses layoffs.

Air Traffic Controllers Face Crisis

• 10% flight cuts at 40 airports due to staffing shortages.
• Some controllers quit during the shutdown.
• Department of Transportation promises 70% back pay within 24-48 hours of reopening.
• Trump proposed a $10,000 bonus for controllers who didn’t take time off, but details remain unclear.

Uncertain Recovery for Flights

• Trump claims operations will be "better than normal," but staffing issues remain unresolved.

Democrats Demand ACA Subsidies

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies were excluded from the deal.
• Without subsidies, 20 million Americans face higher premiums.
• Senate Republicans promised a December vote on ACA-related bills, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to a vote.