· 2 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan funding bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now in its 41st day
• The measure, approved 60–40, includes full-year funding for several agencies and temporary funding through January 30 for the rest
• The bill now moves to the House, which is expected to vote later this week after a prolonged recess of over 50 days
🔭 The context: The shutdown was triggered by a breakdown in negotiations over expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, with Democrats demanding their extension and Republicans refusing to engage on healthcare policy while the government remained closed
• During the shutdown, federal workers faced mass furloughs, delayed SNAP benefits, and disrupted services such as air traffic control and public access to national parks
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Prolonged U.S. government shutdowns weaken environmental oversight, stall climate-related funding and regulatory functions, and delay the implementation of green infrastructure projects
• Agencies like the EPA and Department of the Interior operate with reduced staff, slowing environmental permitting and enforcement
• The shutdown also disrupted food assistance programs, undermining climate resilience for vulnerable communities
⏭️ What's next: The House faces a narrow path to pass the bill, with Speaker Mike Johnson under pressure from both parties
• Democrats are pushing to vote against the deal due to the absence of ACA subsidy extensions, while Republicans must hold nearly all of their caucus
• A Senate vote on healthcare subsidies is tentatively scheduled for December, but its prospects remain uncertain amid GOP opposition
💬 One quote: “Doing nothing is unacceptable, but that’s the choice the Republican side made in obeisance to Donald Trump,” — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York)
📈 One stat: Over 4,000 federal layoffs will be reversed under the deal, halting additional job cuts through January 30, 2026
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